Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), took the stage at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS 2024) on November 16, reflecting on his political journey and the changes in his approach to governance. During a conversation with Sunetra Choudhury, the national political editor of Hindustan Times, Naidu revealed an important personal realization about his election losses and his evolving political philosophy.

Election Defeats and Changing Focus

Naidu candidly admitted that his obsession with his name led to election defeats in the past. He said, "When I was obsessed with my name, I lost elections." However, the TDP chief emphasized that his focus now is no longer on personal branding but on the collective welfare of the people. His current aim, he explained, is to “carry people along and work for their betterment,” which reflects a significant shift in his political strategy.

Naidu’s comments came during the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, an event marking 100 years of Hindustan Times. The summit brought together political leaders, industry giants, and thinkers to discuss key issues shaping the future of India. Naidu’s words resonated as he touched on the broader political dynamics, particularly how his party’s alliances have played a role in shaping Indian politics.

Population Management: A Key Issue for Southern India

One of the most striking aspects of Naidu’s address was his controversial stance on population management. He defended his call for families in southern India to have more children, highlighting the growing risk of an ageing population. Naidu explained that population management is crucial for the nation’s progress, especially in the southern states, which are facing demographic challenges. He underscored the importance of balancing population growth with national development to ensure sustainable economic growth.

While some may find Naidu’s comments provocative, his arguments stem from the increasing concerns regarding an ageing population in many parts of India, particularly in the south. The region faces significant challenges in maintaining a balanced demographic profile that supports economic productivity and social stability.

Naidu’s Praises for PM Modi’s Leadership

Naidu also took the opportunity to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership, calling him a “strong and progressive leader.” He cited the impressive 7.58% growth rate India achieved under Modi’s governance, framing it as a testament to the Prime Minister’s strategic approach to governance. Naidu emphasized that Modi’s preparation and determination were visible in his approach to both elections and governance, which has led to significant progress in India.

Naidu’s positive remarks about PM Modi came in the context of his party’s alliance with the BJP and Jana Sena (JS) in the lead-up to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections 2024. The alliance, which won the Andhra Pradesh assembly elections alongside the Lok Sabha elections, was a major political development. Naidu expressed confidence that the coalition would continue to make strides in the political landscape of the state.

HTLS 2024: Celebrating a Century of Journalistic Excellence

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the inaugural keynote address at the HTLS 2024, marking the 100-year milestone of Hindustan Times. Modi also unveiled a commemorative stamp to honor the newspaper’s journey over the past century, acknowledging its contribution to journalistic excellence.

In his speech, PM Modi congratulated all those associated with the newspaper’s long-standing legacy, noting the importance of its role in shaping India’s media landscape. The HTLS 2024 served as a platform for political leaders like Naidu and Modi to share their insights on governance, leadership, and India’s future.

TDP’s Role in Shaping Indian Politics

Reflecting on the TDP's history, Naidu recounted how the party had extended support to previous coalition governments, such as those led by former Prime Ministers VP Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He reiterated the importance of respecting differing opinions in coalition politics and working toward consensus-building to ensure stable governance. This approach, he believes, has been key to the TDP’s success in Indian politics.

Naidu’s remarks at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit highlighted his political evolution, from a focus on personal recognition to a commitment to people-centric governance. His comments on population management and the need for more children in southern India, as well as his support for PM Modi’s leadership, reflect his growing role in shaping the future of Indian politics.

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For more insights into the latest political developments, including updates on Andhra Pradesh elections, PM Modi’s governance, and population management discussions, visit Top News Headlines - Share Market News, Latest IPO News, Business News, Economy News.

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