Published Nov 13, 2026 | 2:19 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 13, 2026 | 2:19 PM
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu. (Supplied)
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday, 13 November, made key remarks regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of the voter list. He opined that there is a need to comprehensively verify and cleanse the voter list once every 20-25 years.
During a fireside chat moderated by senior journalist Palki Sharma on the second day of the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, Chandrababu shared his views on several political, administrative, and economic issues.
Referring to the concerns and criticisms surrounding SIR, he stated that allegations of vote deletion are mere misconceptions. Claiming that he had received no complaints regarding vote deletion in Andhra Pradesh, Naidu added that every political party has a strong network at the village level, and if utilized effectively, they can ensure that not a single vote is missed. He advised that doing politics based on misconceptions is not right.
Further clarifying that the next 20 years are extremely crucial for the country’s future and this opportunity must not be missed under any circumstances, the chief minister stated that in the current situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the right leader for the country, and his leadership is necessary for national development.
Chandrababu admitted that when he was in power previously, focusing heavily on administration while somewhat neglecting politics led to difficulties in elections.
He noted that focusing intensely on governance out of a desire to achieve results, leading to a lack of balance between politics and governance, proved disadvantageous to them in the past.
However, learning lessons from those experiences, they are now coordinating both effectively. He explained that they are working in strong coordination as an alliance with Jana Sena and the BJP, noting that the opposition party was restricted to just 25 percent in the local elections.
Responding to a question from Palki Sharma regarding alliances with various parties in national politics and ideological differences, Chandrababu said that prior to 1991, political ideologies like left-wing and right-wing carried more weight, but the situation has changed now.
He opined that public welfare and national development have become the primary agenda, and reiterated that Modi’s leadership is currently the right choice for the country.
Also Read: Kia signs MoU for Rs 18,811-crore manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh, production set for 2030
Speaking on the topic of demographic dividend, Chandrababu revealed that while he had previously advocated for having only one or two children, his thinking has now changed.
After observing the declining youth populations in various countries, ” I came to the view that families should have two or more children.”
He stated that even though he knows implementing this policy is not easy, he will place his views before the public if he believes it will benefit the country in the long run.
Chandrababu recalled that he had recognized future opportunities in the IT sector early on and initiated reforms in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh.
He recounted convincing Bill Gates to start Microsoft operations in Hyderabad, explaining to him at the time that Indian students’ proficiency in mathematics and English would be beneficial to the IT sector.
“To build the human resources required for IT, I increased the number of engineering colleges,” he also noted that he was the first in the country to introduce reforms in the power sector.
He stated that massive employment opportunities exist in service sectors like tourism alongside AI and quantum technology. He advised the youth to identify future sectors early and enhance their skills accordingly, noting that the country’s youth population is a strong human resource that must be utilized effectively.
Also Read: Surge of investments to Andhra Pradesh: Two mega projects worth ₹33,500 crore signed
Chandrababu also dismissed concerns regarding environmental impact and water consumption due to the establishment of data centers.
The chief minister claimed that about 3,000 TMC of water from the Godavari flows into the sea annually, and there is an opportunity to bring 100 TMC of water to Visakhapatnam through the Polavaram Left Main Canal.
“Along with the 3.5 TMC of water required for data centers, abundant water can be supplied for drinking, irrigation, and industrial needs.”
He also revealed that steps are being taken to provide the power required for data centers through green energy.
Chandrababu added that the government is taking measures to ensure that international developments like the Iran-Israel war, as well as natural calamities like cyclones and El Niño, do not adversely impact the state.
Overall, he emphasized in his speech that technological development, job creation, social equality, political stability, and continuous connection with the people are key to the future of the state and the nation.
Also Read: Visakhapatnam gears up for 31st CII Partnership Summit; delegates from 58 nations to attend
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
