TDP Announces 33% Women’s Ticket Quota for 2029 Elections at Mahanadu

Amaravati, May 2026 : In a major political announcement aimed at strengthening women’s participation in politics, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national working president Nara Lokesh on Wednesday proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in party tickets for the 2029 elections.

The proposal was made on the opening day of Mahanadu, the TDP’s annual conclave, where Lokesh addressed party leaders and cadres for the first time in his role as national working president. The announcement is being viewed as one of the most significant policy commitments by a national political party towards women’s representation in electoral politics.

Lokesh categorically stated that the party would implement the 33 per cent quota for women candidates irrespective of whether the Women’s Reservation Bill is passed in Parliament or not.

“Whether the Women’s Reservation Bill is passed or not passed in Parliament, the TDP will allot 33 per cent of its tickets to women candidates,” he declared.

He added that the next phase of Indian politics must be defined by women’s leadership, not just participation.

“Women must not remain mere beneficiaries in politics. They must become decision-makers and leaders shaping India’s future. TDP will lead from the front. This is not a slogan, it is our commitment,” Lokesh said, drawing strong applause from party delegates.

The proposal is expected to be placed for formal approval after detailed discussions during the two-day Mahanadu session. Party leaders indicated that the suggestion aligns with the overall theme of this year’s conclave, “Stree Shakti”, which focuses on empowering women across political, social, and economic spheres.

The announcement is also being interpreted as part of a broader ideological shift within the party towards strengthening women’s representation in leadership roles. In recent months, the TDP has taken multiple steps in this direction, including the appointment of MP Byreddy Shabari as the party’s first woman National General Secretary.

Party sources said Lokesh has consistently emphasised women’s empowerment across various platforms, including education reforms, curriculum changes, and public messaging that promotes respect and equality for women in society.

In his address, Lokesh said India’s political future must include greater representation of women lawmakers, policymakers, and administrators.

“The country needs more women leaders, women lawmakers, and women policymakers. Women should not be limited to welfare schemes but must actively participate in governance and decision-making,” he said.

He also referred to the broader national context, stating that the NDA government had already taken a historic step by introducing the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament. However, he criticised opposition parties for attempting to block or delay reforms aimed at women’s empowerment.

Lokesh asserted that the Telugu Desam Party believes in both ideological commitment and practical implementation when it comes to gender equality.

“The future of TDP will be led shoulder to shoulder by women. This is our responsibility and our commitment to building a more inclusive political future,” he said.

The Mahanadu convention, held at the party’s central office in Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, began with an address by TDP national president and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

The two-day event is being attended by senior leaders including state president Palla Srinivasa Rao, politburo members, ministers, and other top party functionaries.

Party leaders also highlighted that this year’s Mahanadu is being conducted in a hybrid format, allowing participation both offline and online, in line with modern organisational practices.

With this announcement, the TDP has positioned itself as one of the first major political parties in India to commit formally to a one-third women candidate quota, setting the stage for wider political debate on gender representation in electoral politics ahead of 2029.