Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh has issued a clear directive to officials: no ghats should be named after his grandson Devansh, following a viral controversy over a Pushkaralu ghat bearing the boy’s name.
The controversy erupted when a video surfaced on social media showing that officials in Sitanagaram, Rajanagar constituency, had named a Pushkaralu ghat at Munikudali after Devansh, the son of Minister Lokesh and grandson of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
What Happened
The East Godavari district is preparing for the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu, one of the most significant religious events in Andhra Pradesh. Large-scale arrangements are underway, including the construction of multiple ghats along the Godavari river.
During these preparations, officials in Sitanagaram mandal’s Munikudali area named one of the newly constructed ghats “Devansh Ghat” — a move that immediately sparked backlash on social media.
“This is ridiculous. No ghats should be named as Devansh,” Minister Lokesh stated firmly when contacted by reporters.
Lokesh’s Immediate Response
Within hours of the video going viral, Minister Lokesh took decisive action:
| Action | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Social media video surfaces | June 4, evening |
| Lokesh responds publicly | June 5, morning |
| Directives issued to officials | June 5, afternoon |
| Name change ordered | Immediate |
The minister issued explicit orders to district officials: “No ghat should bear Devansh’s name anywhere.”
Why This Matters
Religious Sensitivity
The Godavari Pushkaralu is a 12-year cycle religious festival that draws millions of devotees. Naming religious infrastructure after individuals — especially political family members — is considered inappropriate by many.
Political Implications
The controversy touches on sensitive political ground:
- Devansh is CM Chandrababu Naidu’s grandson
- Lokesh is CM Naidu’s son and a prominent minister
- The naming could be perceived as nepotism or political favoritism
Public Perception
Citizens across Andhra Pradesh are questioning whether such naming decisions reflect proper administrative ethics or political overreach.
What Officials Are Doing Now
District officials in East Godavari have begun implementing Lokesh’s orders:
- Name plates being removed from Devansh Ghat
- Alternative naming under consideration
- Review of all ghat names to prevent similar issues
Officials say the naming was likely an unintended mistake by lower-level administrators, not a deliberate political decision.
Social Media Buzz
The viral video has sparked intense discussion online:
| Reaction Type | Trending Topics |
|---|---|
| Support for Lokesh | “Lokesh takes stand against nepotism” |
| Criticism | “Why was it named in the first place?” |
| Concern | “Religious sites shouldn’t have political names” |
| Questions | “Who authorized this naming?” |
One Twitter user wrote: “At least Lokesh is doing the right thing by stopping this. But the question remains — who ordered it initially?”
Another commented: “Good that Lokesh corrected it. Religious ghats should remain neutral.”
The Bigger Picture: Pushkaralu Preparations
The 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu preparations have been ongoing for months:
- Multiple ghats being constructed across East Godavari
- Infrastructure development including roads, lighting, and facilities
- Religious ceremonies scheduled for the 12-day festival
- Expected devotees: Over 10 million visitors
The Devansh Ghat controversy has drawn additional attention to these preparations, with citizens now watching closely for any other naming or administrative issues.
Lokesh’s Previous Stance on Family Names
This isn’t the first time Lokesh has taken a firm stance against naming public infrastructure after family members:
- 2025: Lokesh attended his son Devansh’s parent-teacher meeting, emphasizing his focus on education over political titles
- 2026: He clarified that a statue in his puja room was Devansh’s childhood clay creation of Lord Shiva, not a political monument
His consistent message: “Family should not be used for political branding.”
What’s Next?
Short-Term (Next Week)
- Ghat name officially changed at Munikudali
- District officials provide clarification on who authorized the original naming
- Review completed for all other Pushkaralu ghats
Mid-Term (Next Month)
- Public transparency on Pushkaralu naming decisions
- Potential guidelines issued for religious infrastructure naming
- Continued monitoring by citizens and media
The Bottom Line
Minister Lokesh’s firm “no” has stopped the Devansh Ghat controversy from escalating further. His quick response demonstrates administrative accountability and respect for religious traditions.
But the incident raises important questions: Who authorized the naming initially? And how can officials ensure such mistakes don’t happen again during the massive Pushkaralu preparations?
