In a wide-ranging and politically significant interview, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed strong support for India’s Operation Sindoor, endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, and reiterated his commitment to national unity and progressive governance. Speaking with India Today TV’s Rajdeep Sardesai, Naidu made a series of bold statements across key national issues, reaffirming his party’s alignment with the BJP-led NDA at the Centre.
ON OPERATION SINDOOR AND MODI’S LEADERSHIP
“No other leader can do this so perfectly. The conflict ended at the right time. PM Modi ended the fighting. His wisdom prevailed.”
Naidu echoed the emotional significance behind naming the operation Sindoor, saying it honored the grief and resolve of Indian women after 25 tourists and a local were killed.
“The name Sindoor fulfilled the sentiments of Indian women and avenged the attack.”
Naidu emphasized that the precision of the strike, completed within 20 minutes, targeted only terror camps without harming civilians or military installations—a key point he used to contrast India’s strategic restraint with Pakistan’s escalation.
He also dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s claims that India had succumbed to U.S. pressure, especially after Washington urged calm following the counterstrikes:
“There’s no need to surrender to anybody. Who will control Trump? He talks as he likes. But PM Modi’s wisdom prevailed.”
Naidu underscored India’s sovereignty:
“We are capable of protecting our nation… If anybody comes after us, we won't leave them.”
ON PM MODI’S GLOBAL IMAGE
Naidu described Modi as a “tall global leader”, asserting that India no longer needs external approval or diplomatic endorsements to defend itself. He credited Modi for preventing the war from escalating, showing "restraint with resolve."
ON THE WAQF (AMENDMENT) ACT
Turning to domestic legislative matters, Naidu defended his party’s support for the Waqf (Amendment) Act, calling it a pro-Muslim reform meant to bring transparency and accountability to the management of Waqf properties.
“If the Waqf Act is utilised properly, it will be pro-Muslim… The TDP is for all religions and communities.”
He highlighted past efforts in minority inclusion, citing his government’s recognition of Urdu as a second official language in 13 districts during his earlier term in undivided Andhra Pradesh.
Opposition parties, including the Congress and AIMIM, have challenged the constitutionality of the Act, claiming it undermines Muslim autonomy over Waqf assets. But Naidu rejected that view, defending the Act’s welfare-driven focus.
ON ONE NATION, ONE ELECTION
Naidu also strongly backed the One Nation, One Election proposal, calling it essential for governance stability and efficient administration:
“Every year, there's an election… This is not good for democracy. Governments cannot function under constant model code of conduct.”
He advocated for electoral reforms to streamline governance and end perpetual campaign mode. According to him, synchronized elections would allow leaders to focus on development and long-term planning instead of short-term political maneuvering.
POLITICAL CONTEXT
This interview reinforces the TDP’s deepening alignment with the BJP-led NDA, both ideologically and strategically. With Naidu now an important regional partner in the Centre, his vocal support on national security, legislative reforms, and electoral changes bolsters the NDA’s narrative of strong, unified governance.
His statements also signal a message to allies and opposition alike: the TDP is back in power, assertive, and aligned with a muscular national agenda—but also seeking to balance it with inclusive development and governance credibility in Andhra Pradesh.
