New Delhi: Wearing a crisp yellow shirt, 74-year-old N Chandrababu Naidu, a seasoned player in coalition politics, visited New Delhi for the fourth time since becoming Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister on June 12. In a 90-minute interview with The Indian Express, Naidu discussed his political journey, welfare policies, revdi politics, and his ideological differences with the BJP.
Naidu’s blueprint for success
Naidu talked about his focus on creating infrastructure and fostering a knowledge economy as his immediate and long-term priorities. He drew comparisons with Hyderabad, which he helped develop into a major hub for IT, biotech, pharma and finance. “Hyderabad became what it is today because of world-class infrastructure—roads, airports, and human resource development that I initiated 25 years ago,” Naidu said.
Vision for Andhra Pradesh
He said that he aims to replicate this model in Andhra Pradesh, particularly with a focus on port-led manufacturing and green energy, such as green hydrogen. “We have immense potential on the east coast. My earlier reforms in the power sector laid the groundwork for this,” he added. Naidu also talked about the importance of diversifying into electronics manufacturing, EV production, and agro-processing. “My focus is now on not just the ease of doing business but the speed of doing business.”
Looking ahead, Naidu said that he envisions Andhra Pradesh becoming a premier state by 2047, focusing on employment generation and poverty eradication. He set ambitious goals for real-time progress tracking and accountability, he said in the interview.
Beyond bifurcation
Reflecting on the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, Naidu said that while Hyderabad went to Telangana, his focus now is on rebuilding Andhra. “Bifurcation has happened, and I cannot dwell on regrets. My focus is on building Andhra Pradesh,” he said and emphasised that the state’s economy was among the top three in growth until recent setbacks. “What’s done is done. Good or bad, we must move forward.”
On PM Modi’s third term
On the 2024 election results, Naidu attributed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third consecutive victory to strong leadership. “Leadership, more than any other factor, drives electoral success,” Naidu said, praising Modi’s ability to maintain balance and the public’s trust.
