This marked his third appearance for cross examination in the same case. Two earlier sessions had already been completed. Lokesh has consistently attended court proceedings connected to this matter without seeking delays.

He filed the defamation suit claiming the newspaper carried a report with malicious intent. According to him, the article damaged his personal and political reputation and was published without factual verification.

Such seriousness is rare in political defamation cases, especially in the Telugu States. In most cases involving politicians and media houses, matters are quietly settled through compromise or informal understanding.

In this case, a compromise appears unlikely as it involves TDP and Sakshi. Many politicians lose interest due to prolonged court processes, but Lokesh has continued despite starting the case while in the Opposition.

A recent contrast is the Nagarjuna versus Konda Surekha case, which ended after a public apology. Several similar cases fade once media attention drops, leading complainants to withdraw without resolution.

Lokesh has pursued this case even after becoming a Minister. This persistence is being seen as a positive sign for his image as a fighter and a future leader of the Telugu Desam Party.

The case relates to an article claiming the government spent Rs 75 lakhs on his snacks at Visakhapatnam Airport. Lokesh stated he was not present on those dates and alleged protocol expenses were wrongly attributed to him.