Nara Lokesh has challenged YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to an open debate concerning the District Selection Committee (DSC) teacher recruitment process. Standing 200 meters from Jagan's residence in Tadepalli, Lokesh accused the YSRCP leader of spreading misinformation and false narratives regarding the recruitment. He asserted that the process was conducted with complete transparency and in accordance with horizontal and vertical reservation norms.

Lokesh criticized the previous YSRCP government for limiting job calendars to the 'Sakshi' newspaper, contrasting this with the current government's 'real job calendar.' He stated that YS Jagan would not be able to stop the DSC recruitment regardless of the circumstances. Additionally, Lokesh questioned how Jagan would react if similar abuse were directed at his wife, Bharathi, and daughters, while denying that he was engaging in the type of mudslinging he attributed to other political factions.

The interaction is described as a 'war of words' that has taken an 'interesting turn,' with the situation described as having 'intensified.' YSRCP women leaders Lakshmi Parvathi and Shyamala responded to the challenge, stating that Jagan was not required to debate and that they were sufficient to represent the party, dismissing Lokesh's stature. Lokesh characterized the challenge as 'pretty serious.'

According to reports from telugu360.com, Lokesh claimed the government recruited 16,000 teachers within 150 days, describing the recruitment as a 'record achievement.' In his remarks, Lokesh used contrasting labels for the political figures, describing Chandrababu Naidu as a 'visionary leader' focused on jobs and infrastructure, while labeling YS Jagan as a 'prisoner' focused on jail and punishment.