Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday (August 1, 2026) endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, describing him as the only leader capable of making India the world’s number one nation by 2047. Mr. Naidu asked people to protect Mr. Modi’s leadership, and said those criticising him should reassess what they had contributed to the nation.

Addressing a massive public gathering at the inauguration of the Alluri Sitharama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, Mr. Naidu said that India was at a crucial juncture, with the world moving from the Information Technology (IT) era to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era. While knowledge and technology were readily available, what the country needed was a strong leadership to harness them for national development, he said.

“Democratic countries across the world are searching for new leaders. India is fortunate to have a tested leader. Narendra Modi has spent nearly 25 years as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, delivering extraordinary governance. He is the only democratic leader in the world with the knowledge and ability to carry forward 144 crore Indians and the nation,” Mr. Naidu said.

On the Prime Minister’s governance over the past 12 years, the Chief Minister cited Digital Public Infrastructure, the expansion of digital transactions, GST reforms, ports, metro rail projects, green energy, wealth creation, science and technology.

“I have been in public life for over five decades and have seen many leaders. Narendra Modi has a clear agenda, Nation First. He has a clear vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” Mr. Naidu said.

He also praised the Prime Minister for steering the country through several challenges.

Mr. Naidu said India would emerge as the world’s leading nation by 2047, and that such a change was possible only under Mr. Modi’s leadership. “Without Narendra Modi, it is not possible. The entire nation must understand the respect he has brought to India across the globe. Wherever you go in the world, people respect Narendra Modi. We have to protect his leadership. Those who criticised him must rethink what he has done and contributed to the nation,” he said.

Mr. Naidu asked the gathering to give a standing ovation for the Prime Minister, and thousands stood as the venue echoed with chants of “Modi, Modi”.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that Bhogapuram airport will become a landmark for Uttarandhra and would usher in a new era of opportunities for the region. He also stated that migrations from the region will become a thing of the past.

“There will no longer be colonies of people from Srikakulam in other places in search of jobs. Instead, people from elsewhere will come here for employment. I urge the youth to utilise these opportunities, change their lives and work for society and the development of the region,” he said.

Addressing the large gathering of public during the inaugural of ASR International Airport at Bhogapuram on Saturday, Mr .Chandrababu Naidu began by expressing gratitude to the farmers who gave land for the airport project. “First of all, I bow to all the farmers. You did not just give land, you gave Uttarandhra a golden future,” he said.

Recalling the journey of the Bhogapuram airport project, Mr. Naidu said the foundation stone was laid in 2015 and the project had finally been completed under the NDA government after overcoming several hurdles.

The Chief Minister said the international airport would accelerate industrial and economic development. “Today, Uttarandhra has an international airport. Global technology giant Google has come to Uttarandhra. World-class steel company ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel has also come here, and many more investments are on the way,” he said.

The Chief Minister had credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA government for extending crucial support to the State. He said Mr. Modi had protected the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, released funds for the Polavaram Irrigation Project and was extending full support for the construction of the State capital Amaravati.

Mr. Naidu had announced that the Polavaram Project would be completed by 2027 and would be dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Modi. He also said the first phase of Amaravati would be completed by 2028 and inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

The Chief Minister said the Centre’s support had enabled Andhra Pradesh to attract 189 investment projects worth ₹6.13 lakh crore, which are expected to generate around 5.5 lakh jobs upon completion.

He further announced that eight irrigation projects worth ₹2,784 crore would be completed over the next three years. He said the long-pending Neradi Barrage had received the Centre’s approval and announced that Godavari river water would reach Anakapalli by August 14. He also revealed plans to take up the Godavari-Vamsadhara river interlinking project.