New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president N. Chandrababu Naidu heaped praise on his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to Modi as a “global leader” and his “inspiration”, Naidu stated that they come from the “same school of thought”. He expressed gratitude to Modi for “teaching” him so much and inaugurating projects worth approximately Rs 2 lakh crore.

Naidu reiterated that this magnanimity demonstrated the NDA government’s potential to continue with great success in the future, not just in the state but at the national level too.

He made these statements at a massive public meeting in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam on Wednesday (January 8). The event was preceded by a short roadshow, marking the first such appearance by the prime minister since being elected for a third term – a point Modi himself highlighted during his speech, emphasising Andhra Pradesh as his priority.

Both Modi and K. Pawan Kalyan, who is president of the Jana Sena Party (JSP) as well as deputy chief minister, NDA partner and a film star, were the star attractions of the roadshow.

Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for several projects in Andhra Pradesh worth approximately Rs 2 lakh crore. Key initiatives included the NTPC Green Hydrogen Hub Project at Pudimadaka (Rs 1.85 lakh crore investment), various railway and road projects such as the South Coast Railway Headquarters at Visakhapatnam (Rs 19,500 crore), a Bulk Drug Park at Nakkapalli and the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area (KRIS City), which is expected to attract Rs 10,500 crore in manufacturing investments.

These projects aim to bolster renewable energy production, improve transportation infrastructure, enhance healthcare access and create significant employment opportunities in the region.

Modi refrained from mentioning Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the opposition leader and former chief minister. This silence is notable, given that both Naidu and Kalyan have consistently blamed the previous Jagan-led government for the state’s issues, despite their being in power........

© The Wire