Naidu wrested control of the TDP, signaling a generational shift that would alter the political and economic landscape of Andhra Pradesh forever. His ascent was the beginning of a vision to modernize a state and position it on the global stage.

VJM Divakar / Kiranmayi I hyderabad

On September 1, 1995, a young, resolute leader stood before the people of Andhra Pradesh, his voice ringing with conviction: “Chandrababu ane nenu” – I am Chandrababu. Those words marked not just the swearing-in of a new Chief Minister but the dawn of a transformative era in Indian politics.

Thirty years later, N. Chandrababu Naidu stands as a towering figure, a phoenix who has risen repeatedly from the ashes of defeat to redefine resilience, reform, and reinvention. His journey, spanning three decades, four terms as Chief Minister, and a legacy that straddles two Telugu states, is a saga of ambition, vision, and unyielding determination that continues to inspire and polarize in equal measure.

Born into a modest farming family in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district, Naidu’s story is one of grit and audacity. From his days as a fiery student leader at Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati to his early political forays with the Congress party, Naidu’s path was anything but predestined. Yet, it was with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), founded by the legendary N.T. Rama Rao, that his destiny took shape. In a dramatic turn in 1995, Naidu wrested control of the TDP, signaling a generational shift that would alter the political and economic landscape of Andhra Pradesh forever. His ascent was the beginning of a vision to modernize a state and position it on the global stage.

Naidu’s first tenure (1995–2004) earned him the moniker “Hi-Tech Chief Minister.” In an era when India was still awakening to the possibilities of the digital age, Naidu transformed Hyderabad from a city of rocky hills into a pulsating IT hub. The creation of HITEC City and Genome Valley didn’t just put Hyderabad on the map; it redefined India’s technological aspirations. Naidu’s foresight in embracing e-Governance, with initiatives like digital administration and programs such as DWCRA, Deepam, Janmabhoomi, and Rythu Bazaars, blended welfare with innovation. His vision drew global attention, culminating in U.S. President Bill Clinton’s visit to Hyderabad in 2000 – a moment of pride for Andhra Pradesh and a testament to Naidu’s ability to think beyond the horizon.

But yet, Naidu’s journey has been anything but linear. Over 30 years, he has held the Chief Minister’s chair for 15 years across four terms (1995–2004, 2014–2019, and 2024–present), weathering crushing defeats and prolonged years in the opposition. His 1999 landslide victory solidified his reputation as a reformist, but his ambitious policies also drew criticism for prioritizing urban development over rural welfare. In 2004, he faced a humbling defeat to YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s welfare-driven campaign. 

A decade later, after Andhra Pradesh’s bifurcation, Naidu returned in 2014 to lead a truncated state with renewed vigor. His dream of Amaravati – a future-ready capital city – became a symbol of his unyielding ambition, though it faced political roadblocks, funding challenges, and opposition from subsequent governments.

The period after 2019 tested Naidu’s resilience like never before. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s landslide victory, with 151 seats, decimated the TDP, and Naidu faced the darkest chapter of his career: an arrest in 2023 on corruption allegations. For a leader who had scaled dizzying heights, this was a moment of profound humiliation. Yet, true to his phoenix-like spirit, Naidu rose again. In 2024, he led the TDP back to power, proving that his political obituary had been written prematurely. His vow to revive Amaravati by 2029 underscores a leader who refuses to let his dreams be buried.

Naidu’s political legacy transcends Andhra Pradesh, leaving an indelible mark on Telangana. Leaders like Telangana’s current Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, who rose under Naidu’s mentorship, reflect his influence beyond state borders. His ability to shape political destinies while navigating fierce rivalries – first with Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy and later with his son, Jagan – showcases a career defined by high-stakes battles and remarkable comebacks.

On September 1, 2025, as Naidu marked 30 years since his first oath, tributes poured in from across the country. His son, Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, captured the sentiment in an emotional post on X: “Thirty years ago today, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu took oath for the first time as Chief Minister, marking the dawn of an era that reimagined Andhra Pradesh’s ambitions and accelerated its rise.”

Lokesh hailed his father’s pioneering technology-driven governance, his role in building Hyderabad’s IT identity, and his vision for Amaravati. “Warm greetings on completing three decades, sir, a person I am privileged to call ‘nanna’ at home and ‘Boss’ at work. Still young at heart and steadied by experience, our Chief Minister stands ready to meet new challenges with clarity, courage, and conviction,” he wrote, using the hashtag #30YearsSinceCBNbecameCM.

‘Naidu’s story is not just about governance or grand projects; it is about the human spirit’s capacity to endure and evolve. Few leaders have faced such relentless cycles of triumph and tribulation. From building Cyberabad to envisioning Amaravati, from being a kingmaker in Delhi to battling existential political crises at home, Naidu embodies the unpredictability and dynamism of Indian politics. His critics may point to his unapologetic ambition or his occasional disconnect with rural voters, but his supporters see a visionary who dared to dream big for a state often overshadowed by India’s larger players.

As Andhra Pradesh looks to the future, Naidu’s leadership remains a beacon of possibility. His promise to transform Amaravati into a global city by 2029 is not just a policy goal; it is a testament to his belief that Andhra’s aspirations are limitless. At a time when politics is often reduced to populism or polarization, Naidu’s blend of pragmatism and vision offers a rare model of leadership – one that dares to build, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Chandrababu Naidu’s 30-year journey is a reminder that true leaders are not defined by their victories alone but by their ability to rise after every fall. Like the mythical phoenix, he has burned, crumbled, and soared anew, each time with greater resolve. As he stands at the helm once more, the story of “Chandrababu ane nenu” is far from over. It is a saga still being written – one that will continue to inspire, challenge, and shape the destiny of the Telugu states and beyond.