From ‘CEO of Andhra Pradesh’ to ‘people’s leader’: Why Chandrababu Naidu is reshaping his image. india news

Last updated:June 27, 2026, 11:24 IST

Chandrababu Naidu, once defined by discipline and administrative focus, is now adopting a softer and more people-centric political image.

An AI-generated video shared by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on his X account has gone viral on social media. “I couldn’t stop laughing after watching this video,” the chief minister wrote while sharing the clip, garnering widespread attention online.

In the video, a small child is sitting on the chair of the District Collector, who is attending an official meeting and interacting with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu through video conference. Suddenly, the child sees his father outside the office window, immediately ends the meeting and says, “Daddy is here!”

The humorous AI video highlights the respect children have for their parents and has been widely appreciated on social media. As soon as the Chief Minister posted it, thousands of users shared it and gave their feedback on it.

This clip is inspired from a famous dialogue from the 2001 Telugu blockbuster Nuvvu Naku Nachaav.

Of. The film, directed by Vijaya Bhaskar and written by Trivikram Srinivas, saw Venkatesh play the role of a carefree young man with no clear purpose in life. The dialogue is presented in a scene in which the heroine, Aarti Agarwal, silently reads a letter written by the hero’s father and makes fun of him. The film was a major commercial success and remains one of the best-loved comedy classics of Telugu cinema.

Noticeable change in Chandrababu’s style

Apart from the viral video, observers say there has been a marked change in the public personality of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in recent years. Once known for his serious attitude, discipline and administrative focus, he now appears more relaxed, approachable and friendly. Spending more time with one’s family, telling jokes in public meetings, and sharing private moments on social media all reflect this change.

Several recent events reflect this change. During a pension distribution program at Malkapalli in East Godavari district last year, Chandrababu played traditional drums along with local folk artist Poshibabu.

In May this year, he dined with a fisherman’s family in Thummalpenta village in Nellore district under the “Service to Fishermen” programme. After visiting the local fish market and purchasing fish himself, he went to the house of fisherman Tanangari Babu, personally prepared the fish curry and dined with the family.

In August 2025, while launching the “Services to Auto Drivers” programme, Chandrababu traveled in an auto-rickshaw from his residence to a public meeting place.

In June, during another event at Chamavaram village in Kakinada district, he visited the residence of toddy tapper Simhachalam, handed over a pension of ₹4,000, interacted with the family, lovingly hugged the family’s young grandson and inquired about his welfare. He also discussed the difficulties faced by the toddy tappers before tasting the freshly collected toddy brought from the palm trees by Musalaiya, nephew of Simhachalam.

On several occasions, Chandrababu has also spoken publicly about his wife Bhuvaneshwari, daughter-in-law Brahmani and their business activities – something rarely seen before.

“It’s completely different from his natural style”

talking to news18Senior journalist and author Inaganti Venkata Rao said the change in Chandrababu Naidu has been quite noticeable.

“This is completely different from his natural style. Age may be one reason, but political stability is another. Earlier, he had to personally manage both governance and party affairs. Now, his son Nara Lokesh has grown into those responsibilities. As the party’s working president and a cabinet minister, Lokesh is handling many administrative and organizational matters. Chandrababu only needs to supervise him, which perhaps explains why he looks more calm and happy now.”

With over five decades of experience in journalism, Inaganti Venkata Rao has served as editor-in-chief of several newspapers and television channels. he has written okkaduA book on Chandrababu Naidu, and Prajala Madhya Pathikelu on the rise and growth of the Telugu Desam Party.

He reminded that during Chandrababu’s previous tenure as Chief Minister in 1995 and 1999, his entire focus was on attracting investments, establishing Hyderabad as an IT hub and developing Cyberabad. His administrative foresight earned him the title “CEO of Andhra Pradesh” from the national and international media.

“In those days, he was extremely serious. His entire focus was on administration. He never discussed personal matters or inquired about the personal lives of others. It was always about development projects and their pursuit. Even after returning as chief minister in 2014, his priorities remained Amaravati, Polavaram and reconstruction of the newly divided state. While this approach strengthened his image as a focused administrator, it also created a certain distance between him and the people.”

A deliberate attempt to create a comprehensive image?

Political observers believe that Chandrababu Naidu is deliberately trying to move away from his long-standing image as a serious administrator and connect more emotionally with the people.

His political rival, YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, is often seen interacting warmly with supporters, placing his hand on their shoulders or head while greeting them. Some analysts believe Chandrababu’s recent public outreach reflects changing political expectations.

TDP national spokesperson Neelayapalem Vijay Kumar also pointed to a significant personal change.

“Earlier, meetings with Chandrababu used to end in three or four minutes. A month ago, I met him at his residence around 8.30 in the morning. He first offered me coffee, asked about my family and well-being and only then discussed official matters. This is definitely a qualitative change in Chandrababu Naidu.”

He said Chandrababu, who once kept his family away from public attention, now proudly talks about his wife Bhuvaneshwari and daughter-in-law Brahmani and often shares moments related to the family.

“This is the era of Gen Z and Generation Alpha. Seriousness alone no longer connects with people. Leaders must connect emotionally with the masses. This is how a collective image is built. People must feel that ‘he is one among us’. This change in Chandrababu reflects that changing reality.”

psychologist’s perspective

Vangipuram Srinivas Chari, a senior psychologist with professional experience of more than three decades, said news18 That Chandrababu Naidu is keeping pace with the changing times.

“Today’s Chandrababu Naidu is not the same person as before. There has been a remarkable change in his behavior. He has become more flexible than his earlier uncompromising style. He understands that the technology-driven generation of the 21st century cannot be engaged through rigid leadership. Instead, he is connecting more warmly with the common people without letting age-related limitations affect his political and administrative effectiveness.”

According to Srinivas Chari, handing over key governance responsibilities to Nara Lokesh has given Chandrababu more personal time. He cited the increasing presence of Chandrababu’s wife, Bhuvaneshwari, in social media videos as evidence of this evolving public image.

Chari said, “Politics is about constantly reinventing strategies. Chandrababu seems to be consolidating his modern political approach by carefully studying changing public expectations. Reinvention is part of every political leader’s journey.”

Natural evolution or political strategy?

Whether this change in Chandrababu Naidu emerged naturally or was part of a carefully planned political strategy remains a matter of debate. However, many believe that the change has made them more acceptable and trustworthy.

The big question now is whether this soft public image will strengthen Chandrababu Naidu’s political future and, in turn, shape the political trajectory of his successor Nara Lokesh in the years to come.

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