Naidu and Pawan rally behind Modi’s leadership

Published 1 August 2026 · local

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan mounted a strong defence for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan mounted a strong defence for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during the inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district on August 1, 2026 (Saturday). While Mr. Naidu took a dig at those who had criticised the Prime Minister and urged people to protect Mr. Modi’s leadership, Mr. Pawan Kalyan condemned the verbal attacks directed at the Prime Minister. The event added political significance as it marked Mr. Modi’s first public appearance after the recent protests by the students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. With chants of “Modi.... Modi” echoing the venue, the inaugural event turned into a platform for the NDA leaders to express their solidarity with the Prime Minister.

Addressing a massive public meeting, Mr. Naidu said, “India is at a crucial juncture. The world is moving from an era of Information Technology to an era of Artificial Intelligence. While knowledge and technology are readily available, what the country needs is great leadership to harness them for national development.” “Democratic countries across the world are searching for new leaders. India is fortunate to have Mr. Modi who has spent nearly 25 years as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, delivering extraordinary governance. He is the only democratic leader in the world with the knowledge and ability to carry forward 144 crore Indians and the nation,” Mr. Naidu said. Highlighting the Prime Minister’s governance over the past 12 years, Mr. Naidu cited the strides made in ushering in digital public infrastructure, rapid expansion of digital transactions, GST reforms, ports, metro rail projects, green energy, science and technology.

He also showered praise on the Prime Minister for effectively steering the country through multiple challenges. Expressing confidence that India would emerge as the world’s leading nation by 2047, Mr. Naidu asserted that such a transformation was possible only under Mr. Modi’s leadership. In his address, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said he was deeply saddened to see a few youths abusing Mr. Modi, who had been working relentlessly for the development of the nation. “I was in tears when I heard the abuses against Mr. Modi,” he said. Referring to the recent protests at Jantar Mantar, albeit without naming any party or organisation, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said, “ Mr. Modi is leading the fight against external forces and nations that are against the rise of our country.