KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant political gesture ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu for his contributions to tech-driven governance. Addressing a public rally in Andhra Pradesh, PM Modi acknowledged Naidu’s influence during his own early years in leadership.

“Chandrababu Naidu ji once called me tech-savvy,” Modi said. “But I want to say that when I became the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I closely observed his work in Hyderabad and learned a great deal from him. I now have the opportunity to apply that learning in my own governance.”

This statement comes amid renewed political cooperation between the BJP and TDP in Andhra Pradesh.

Modi’s Admiration: More Than a Political Compliment

PM Modi’s public acknowledgment of Naidu is not just political courtesy. It reflects:

• Mutual respect between two long-serving leaders

• Recognition of Naidu’s early vision for digital and urban transformation in Hyderabad

• A nod to TDP’s role in shaping IT policy in early 2000s

Naidu, as Chief Minister in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was widely credited for putting Hyderabad on the global IT map, inviting companies like Microsoft, Infosys, and Oracle to set up operations.

Naidu’s Influence on Digital India

Chandrababu Naidu’s legacy as an early adopter of technology in Indian governance laid the groundwork for many of the digital initiatives that would follow.

His contributions include:

• Launch of e-governance projects in Andhra Pradesh

• Setting up Hi-Tech City (Cyberabad) in Hyderabad

• Introducing online citizen services long before they became the national norm

PM Modi’s own Digital India campaign, launched in 2015, drew on similar principles of connectivity, transparency, and tech-enabled service delivery.

Political Context: BJP-TDP Renewed Alliance

PM Modi’s praise also signals a deeper political realignment in Andhra Pradesh. After parting ways in 2018, BJP and TDP have been exploring alliance opportunities ahead of the 2024 general elections and state polls.

Naidu’s return to prominence, especially after distancing himself from both the UPA and YSR Congress, has made him a key regional ally for the BJP.

The PM’s comments at this stage help:

• Reinforce unity in opposition to YSRCP

• Boost TDP’s image among youth and tech-focused voters

• Present a common development-focused narrative

Public Reaction: Praise Widely Welcomed

Naidu’s supporters, including members of the Telugu Desam Party, have welcomed Modi’s recognition as a sign of renewed political legitimacy and national validation of Naidu’s tech policies.

On social media, hashtags like:

• #ModiPraisesNaidu

• #TechGovernance

• #DigitalIndiaOrigin
  began trending soon after the PM’s speech.

Political observers note that such statements strengthen BJP’s image as a party that acknowledges regional contributions to national progress.

What Modi Learned from Naidu: A Legacy That Lives On

PM Modi’s admiration was rooted in:

• Urban planning vision — Naidu’s Cyberabad inspired similar projects in Gujarat’s GIFT City

• Public service delivery models — AP’s Mee Seva centers paralleled Gujarat’s e-Gram Vishwagram project

• Tech-driven governance frameworks — later adopted and scaled at the national level

By admitting that he “learned a lot” from Naidu, Modi subtly underscored his pragmatic approach to leadership, where good ideas transcend party lines.

Naidu’s Tech Legacy: Ahead of Its Time

Some of Naidu’s most notable innovations:

• Launch of Andhra Pradesh State Wide Area Network (APSWAN)

• Early introduction of video conferencing for district-level administration

• Establishing NRI-focused IT corridors to encourage investment

• Promotion of smart infrastructure before the Smart Cities Mission

These policies were, at the time, considered ambitious—but are now mainstream under central schemes like:

• Digital India

• Smart Cities

• Startup India

Why This Matters in 2025: Tech + Governance = Electoral Strategy

The acknowledgment of tech-savvy governance is not just legacy talk—it’s part of a larger narrative shaping the 2025 elections.

India’s young, digital-first electorate resonates with:

• E-governance success stories

• Leaders who embrace innovation

• Track records of infrastructure-led growth

By invoking Naidu’s legacy, Modi is tapping into this sentiment while also positioning BJP as inclusive of regional visionaries.

Expert Take: Symbolic But Strategic

Political analyst R. Krishnamurthy explains:

“Modi praising Naidu publicly is symbolic. But it’s also strategic. It bridges past credibility with present politics. It strengthens NDA’s regional outreach and sends a message of continuity.”

He adds that this may also build trust among undecided voters, especially those who admire Naidu’s administrative style but want national support for his projects.

PM Modi’s words highlight how governance transcends political rivalry. By appreciating Chandrababu Naidu’s tech-oriented approach, he not only showcases humility but also bolsters the BJP-TDP partnership in a politically crucial state.

This moment serves as a reminder of how visionary leadership leaves a lasting imprint, influencing even those who once sat across the aisle.