Nara Lokesh Defamation Case: Background of the Lawsuit
Nara Lokesh, Minister for Education and Information Technology in Andhra Pradesh, appeared in Visakhapatnam Court today regarding a defamation lawsuit he had filed against Sakshi Media in 2019. The lawsuit stemmed from a report published by Sakshi Media alleging that ₹25 lakhs were spent by the TDP government during Lokesh’s visit to the Visakhapatnam airport lounge. Lokesh denied these allegations, labeling them baseless and defamatory, which led to the legal action.
Nara Lokesh Defamation Case: Legal Proceedings and Statements by Nara Lokesh
During his media interaction after the court hearing, Lokesh stated:
- Sakshi Media’s report falsely claimed that ₹25 lakhs were spent on his visit to the airport.
- Notices were issued to Sakshi Media at the time, demanding a retraction and a rejoinder for their unfounded claims.
- This was his fourth court appearance for the case, and he expressed readiness to attend future hearings to seek justice.
Lokesh emphasized that false propaganda by certain media organizations has been a recurring issue. He reiterated his commitment to transparency, stating, “I didn’t use government resources during this visit. All expenses were borne personally.”
Nara Lokesh Highlights Self-Reliance and Financial Discipline
Lokesh credited his financial discipline and self-reliance to his mother, Nandamuri Bhuvaneshwari. Sharing his current practices, he revealed:
- He stayed overnight in a bus parked at the TDP office instead of utilizing government facilities.
- Expenses for necessities like water, food, and transportation were paid from his personal funds.
Nara Lokesh on Public Service and Political Responsibilities
Lokesh acknowledged that his ministerial duties limited his ability to conduct public marches but emphasized his focus on addressing citizens’ grievances through initiatives like Praja Darbar, where public issues are collected for resolution.
Additionally, he highlighted efforts to clear ₹3,000 crore in unpaid dues left by the previous government. Lokesh also reaffirmed his dedication to any responsibility given by TDP President and CM Chandrababu Naidu, saying, “I work tirelessly to ensure my actions uphold the party’s reputation.”
Nara Lokesh remains committed to seeking justice in the defamation case while highlighting his dedication to public service and financial accountability. His focus on transparency and addressing public grievances reflects his ongoing efforts to uphold trust and ensure development.
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