P. GANNAVARAM, Sept. 9, 2026: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said he had never believed in political vendetta and would continue to exercise patience in the larger interests of the people and the development of Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at a public meeting held as part of the “Mee Bhoomi–Mee Hakku” programme at Panduvaripeta in P. Gannavaram constituency of Konaseema district, Naidu said his political priorities remained values-based governance, improving the lives of the poor and advancing the interests of the Telugu people.
Recalling his arrest three years ago, Naidu said he was taken into custody at midnight on Sept. 9, 2023, while he was in Nandyala to inspect irrigation projects. He alleged that he was arrested despite committing no wrongdoing and that officials told him the allegations would be explained only after the arrest. He said he was subsequently taken to Rajahmundry Central Jail. Naidu said he had spent 48 years in politics and had become chief minister for the first time 31 years earlier, adding that he had remained committed to politics based on public service and ethical values.
Naidu said several allegations had been made against him and cases taken to courts, but the accusations had not been established. He said he had no attachment to wealth and had started a family business decades ago so that his family would not have to depend on politics. He recalled the support he received from Telugu people in India and abroad during his incarceration and said he would remember their solidarity throughout his life. He also praised Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for standing by him despite attempts to prevent him from meeting Naidu.
‘I Could Have Taken Revenge, But That Is Not My Way’
Naidu said he could have taken revenge within minutes after becoming chief minister but deliberately chose not to do so. He said his approach was to remain patient and concentrate on the interests of the Telugu community rather than pursue political retaliation. Recalling the attack on him by Maoists and the 2003 Alipiri blast, he said such incidents had not diverted him from his commitment to public service.
The chief minister said maintaining law and order had always been a priority for him and recalled that even members of his own party had been arrested in the past when they became involved in factional disputes. He said failure to govern effectively would harm the state and therefore he was treating every issue with responsibility. The coalition government, he said, was committed to ensuring that people lived healthier, happier lives with better living standards.
Naidu Accuses Previous Government of Damaging AP
Naidu alleged that Andhra Pradesh suffered greater damage during the 2019-24 period than it had during the state’s bifurcation. He said the coalition government was gradually addressing the problems inherited from the previous administration. He accused the earlier government of damaging the Polavaram diaphragm wall and claimed that the project could have been completed earlier had political considerations not affected its execution.
He also referred to the Velugonda project, saying he had to inaugurate it again decades after its foundation stone was laid. Naidu said he was pleased when water reached the drought-prone areas through the project and when Polavaram’s left canal supplied water to North Andhra. He accused the previous government of creating an atmosphere in which people were afraid to speak openly and alleged irregularities in the conduct and evaluation of Group-1 examinations and the quality of liquor supplied during the previous five-year administration.
Naidu said voters had responded to the previous government’s record by giving the TDP-led alliance a strong mandate in 2024. He said the mandate had also strengthened Andhra Pradesh’s position in New Delhi and helped the state secure greater support and funds for projects such as Polavaram and Amaravati.
‘Opposition Should Come to Assembly and Debate’
The chief minister accused the opposition YSR Congress Party of attempting to obstruct development projects through litigation and political campaigns. He said the government’s plans to fill teaching vacancies through the Mega DSC had faced hundreds of legal challenges and alleged that the opposition was continuing to raise allegations even after the courts found insufficient grounds in some matters.
Naidu urged opposition leaders to attend the Assembly and debate public issues instead of staying away. He also criticised what he described as violent political behaviour and offensive social-media campaigns targeting political families. Despite such opposition, he said, the coalition government would continue working for development and public welfare.
Naidu said the government had recently held meetings with MLAs and district collectors to identify ways to improve public services and address people’s concerns. Feedback from citizens was also being collected, he said, with the administration making adjustments wherever necessary to improve governance.
