From ‘CEO Of Andhra Pradesh’ To ‘People’s Leader’: Why Chandrababu Naidu Is Reinventing His Image
From ‘CEO Of Andhra Pradesh’ To ‘People’s Leader’: Why Chandrababu Naidu Is Reinventing His Image Reported By, Last Updated: June 27, 2026, 11:24 IST Once
From ‘CEO Of Andhra Pradesh’ To ‘People’s Leader’: Why Chandrababu Naidu Is Reinventing His Image Reported By, Last Updated: June 27, 2026, 11:24 IST Once defined by discipline and administrative focus, Chandrababu Naidu is now embracing a softer and more people-centric political image. Rapid Read Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu having lunch at the home of a fisherman. (Image: X/NCBN) An AI-generated video shared by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on his X account has gone viral on social media. “I couldn’t stop laughing after watching this video," the Chief Minister wrote while sharing the clip, drawing widespread attention online. The video features a young child seated in a District Collector’s chair, attending an official meeting and interacting with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu via video conference. Suddenly, the child notices his father outside the office window, immediately ends the meeting and appears to say, “Dad is here!" The humorous AI video highlights the respect children have for their parents and has been widely appreciated on social media. Thousands of users shared and reacted to it soon after the Chief Minister posted it. The clip is inspired by a famous dialogue from the 2001 Telugu blockbuster Nuvvu Naaku Nachav. Directed by K. Vijaya Bhaskar and written by Trivikram Srinivas, the film starred Venkatesh as a carefree young man with no clear purpose in life. The dialogue is delivered in a scene in which the heroine, Aarthi Agarwal, secretly reads and mocks a letter written by the hero’s father. The film was a major commercial success and remains one of Telugu cinema’s most-loved comedy classics. It’s impossible to watch this video and not smile! I’m officially rooting for Aarna. 😊 pic.twitter.com/Hm3LjRGZfM— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) June 26, 2026 A Noticeable Change In Chandrababu’s Style Beyond the viral video, observers say there has been a visible change in Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s public persona in recent years. Once known for his serious attitude, discipline and administrative focus, he now appears more relaxed, approachable and friendly. Spending more time with his family, cracking jokes at public meetings and sharing personal moments on social media all reflect this transformation. Several recent incidents illustrate this shift.
During a pension distribution programme at Malakapalli in East Godavari district last year, Chandrababu played the traditional drum along with local folk artist Poshibabu. In May this year, he shared a meal with a fisherman’s family at Thummalapenta village in Nellore district under the “Service to Fishermen" programme. After visiting the local fish market and purchasing fish himself, he went to fisherman Tanangari Babu’s house, personally cooked fish curry and dined with the family. During my visit to Kavali in Nellore today, Thanamgari Babu garu invited me to his home for lunch. I bought some freshly caught fish from the market, and T Venkamma garu graciously cooked a delicious meal for us. We shared lunch with the family while discussing the aspirations of… pic.twitter.com/jzFG8G8lGc— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) May 19, 2026 In August 2025, while launching the “Service to Auto Drivers" programme, Chandrababu travelled from his residence to the public meeting venue in an auto-rickshaw. In June, during another programme at Chamavaram village in Kakinada district, he visited toddy tapper Simhachalam’s residence, handed over a pension of ₹4,000, interacted with the family, affectionately embraced the family’s young grandson and enquired about their welfare. He also discussed the hardships faced by toddy tappers before tasting freshly collected toddy brought down from a palm tree by Simhachalam’s nephew, Musalayya. On several occasions, Chandrababu has also spoken publicly about his wife Bhuvaneswari, daughter-in-law Brahmani and their business activities—something rarely seen in the past. “This Is Completely Different From His Natural Style" Speaking to News18, veteran journalist and author Inaganti Venkata Rao said the transformation in Chandrababu Naidu has been quite noticeable. “This is completely different from his natural style. Age may be one reason, but political stability is another. Earlier, he had to personally manage both governance and party affairs. Now, his son Nara Lokesh has grown into those responsibilities. As Working President of the party and a Cabinet Minister, Lokesh is handling many administrative and organisational matters. Chandrababu only needs to supervise them, which perhaps explains why he now appears more relaxed and cheerful." With over five decades of experience in journalism, Inaganti Venkata Rao has served as Editor-in-Chief of several newspapers and television channels.
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