'Right Leader For Nation': Chandrababu Naidu Says 'Everything Possible' Under PM Modi
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In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18's Zakka Jacob, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister gave the example of Operation Sindoor to explain the prime minister's vision
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu has hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, citing Operation Sindoor as the latest example of his ability to lead the country.
In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18's Zakka Jacob, Naidu, while sharing his views on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) completing one year of the third term, said India's economy had become the fourth-largest from the 10th place. 'The NDA government is doing very well for the last 11 years. In another two years, India will become the third-largest economy. That is when the real fight will start with China and America. So far, what has been done is one thing. What we are going to achieve next is a different ball-game. But everything is possible under Narendra Modi-ji's leadership."
Explaining his stance, Naidu referred to the April 22 Pahalgam attack and India's response to it. 'Nobody believed India would move so fast. One example is the recent Pahalgam attack. From the beginning, India has been fighting against terrorism. The prime minister is lobbying globally too. Pahalgam was a big tragedy. Narendra Modi-ji named the operation [against terrorists] Sindoor as a sentiment. Within 20 minutes, India demolished terror camps without hitting civilians or defence structures. The country is very proud; we think we are safe."
He added: 'The way Operation Sindoor was conducted is extraordinary. That is the leadership of our honourable prime minister. Also, we concluded it at the right time and that's very essential. From the beginning, we never were inclined towards war with any country. We have some principles."
The TDP chief also rubbished the Opposition's charges that Op Sindoor was stopped at the right time because US President Donald Trump intervened.
'We are working for the nation and not for the Opposition. What PM Modi did was in national interest. What Opposition is asking for is in political interest. There is a conflict between political and national interest. In national interest, everyone should be together. The Country is supreme and everybody has to bend towards that."
Asked about his conversations with PM Modi in the last year and the latter's working style, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister said, 'The way the prime minister is managing external and domestic issues is extraordinary. This is why I say, Right time, right leader for the nation."
He added: 'The next 20 years are going to be very inspiring for India and Indians. In 1991, economic reforms came in, in the mid-90s, there was a technology breakthrough, giving first-mover advantage to India. After 2000, the demographic dividend [has come] as a windfall. India is young as compared to any other country. All this is leading to entrepreneurial skills and productivity. Technology is mature, global and historic knowledge is available; and AI tools are there. Real-time data also can be collected by satellites, drones etc. The only issue is we need more and more leaders to deliver and to give leadership. Tomorrow, Indians will become leaders in governance."
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