New Delhi: On Day 3 of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2024, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu opened up about his political journey, including his time in prison, his views on coalition governance, and his insights on India’s technological growth.
Political Journey and Resilience
Reflecting on his time in prison, Naidu shared that his arrest came as a surprise, but it only strengthened his determination. He emphasized, “Throughout my life, I have maintained decorum and followed public policies strictly. This episode has reinforced my resolve to stay focused and not let my energy fall.” His words underscored his resilience despite facing adversity.
Electoral Strategy and Coalition Politics
Naidu discussed the Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) recent success, attributing it to the public’s dissatisfaction with the previous government. He highlighted how the frustration led to the formation of a new government in Andhra Pradesh with the support of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Pawan Kalyan’s party.
Reflecting on his own political evolution, Naidu shared, “When I was obsessed with my name, I lost elections. Now, my focus is on carrying people along and working for their betterment.” He stressed the importance of coalition governance, noting the need to respect differing opinions and reach consensus. “In coalition governments, respecting differing opinions and reaching consensus is crucial,” he remarked, emphasizing his party’s role in shaping Indian politics.
Praise for PM Modi’s Leadership and India’s Growth
Naidu commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership, calling him a “strong and progressive leader” who has ushered in significant development. He pointed to India’s 7.58% growth rate as a testament to Modi’s governance, praising his approach to elections and governance. Naidu emphasized that under Modi, India has achieved remarkable global recognition, with the “brand of India” now stronger than ever.
Advocating for Technology and Addressing Social Media Challenges
A long-time proponent of technology, Naidu reflected on his efforts to promote IT in India. He recalled his push for the telecommunication sector’s deregulation, which helped India’s technological rise. “I fought with Atal Bihari Vajpayee to promote information technology when there was no bandwidth,” Naidu said, underscoring his role in shaping India’s IT landscape.
He expressed pride in the success of Indians globally, highlighting their expertise in technology. “Indians are doing extremely well due to their advanced knowledge of technology. Anywhere in the world, Indians are earning the highest per capita, and 30% of them are Telugu,” he stated, pointing out the significant contribution of the Telugu community to India’s tech dominance.
However, Naidu also raised concerns about the negative impact of social media, particularly its misuse in spreading misinformation and targeting women and politicians. “Social media has become very vulnerable. There must be a debate on how to control its misuse and ensure accountability,” he urged, calling for greater responsibility and control in managing social media platforms.
This session at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit offered a glimpse into Naidu’s journey as a politician, his commitment to governance, and his advocacy for technological advancement and social media accountability.
