New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu delivered a fervent speech brimming with praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public meeting where Modi launched development projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore in the state.
Naidu, the president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), repeatedly lauded Modi, who responded with good humour, noting that Naidu’s speech was a “sixer.”
Naidu’s effusive praise painted Modi not just as a national leader, but as a global icon. He stated, “He is no longer an Indian leader. He is the global leader. Under his leadership, he promoted India.” He emphasised Modi’s commitment to development, highlighting the affection he receives across India, countering claims of his popularity being limited to northern states.
“Under your leadership, India will prosper. That’s where we are all proud of you, Sir. The Prime Minister became closer to the people by undertaking various developmental works on a regular basis,” Naidu as quoted by news agency IANS.
Naidu highlighted the success of the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance in the recent elections, boasting a 93 per cent strike rate, winning 164 assembly seats and 21 MP seats with 57 per cent of the vote. He underscored the alliance’s continued existence, attributing the NDA’s victories in Haryana and Maharashtra to Modi’s charisma.
“In the recent elections, we (TDP, Jana Sena and BJP) contested together, and the people gave a record verdict. Our strike rate was 93 per cent. With 57 per cent votes we secured 164 Assembly and 21 MP seats,” the Chief Minister noted.
Naidu’s speech extensively highlighted various central government welfare programs under Modi’s leadership, including PM Kisan Nidhi, Make-in-India, Skill India, and Digital India. He expressed confidence that under Modi’s guidance, India would become one of the top two global economies.
Naidu recalled Modi’s role in Andhra Pradesh’s development, mentioning the merging of seven mandals with the state after its bifurcation and the establishment of IIT, IIM, NIT, AIIMS, a Tribal University, and a Central University—projects promised during the bifurcation process.
“When Google had made a proposal to come to Visakhapatnam, I met the Prime Minister. They asked me one thing: If we come to India, there’s a question of taxation. If your government increases taxes in the future, how will we face it? I raised this question with the Prime Minister. He answered, If you do this type of decision-changing policy, nobody will come to India, I am with you… you go ahead, no question of changing taxation policy. How many Prime Ministers will do this? If everyone had acted like this, so much investment would have come to India,” said Naidu as reported by AINS.