Why is Chandrababu Naidu reinventing himself from 'CEO of Andhra Pradesh' to a people's leader?

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, drawing widespread attention online.

The video features a young child seated in a District Collector’s chair, attending an official meeting and interacting with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu through a video conference. Suddenly, the child notices his father outside the office window, immediately ends the meeting, and appears to say, “Dad is here!” The humorous AI video highlights the respect children have for their parents and has been widely appreciated on social media. Thousands of users shared and reacted to it soon after the Chief Minister posted it.

The clip is inspired by a famous dialogue from the 2001 Telugu blockbuster Nuvvu Naaku Nachav. Directed by K. Vijaya Bhaskar and written by Trivikram Srinivas, the film starred Venkatesh as a carefree young man with no clear purpose in life. The dialogue is delivered in a scene where the heroine, Aarthi Agarwal, secretly reads and mocks a letter written by the hero’s father. The film was a major commercial success and remains one of Telugu cinema’s most-loved comedy classics.

Beyond the viral video, observers say there has been a visible change in Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s public persona 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 family, cracking jokes at public meetings, and sharing personal moments on social media all reflect this transformation.

Several recent incidents illustrate this shift. During a pension distribution programme at Malakapalli in East Godavari district last year, Chandrababu played the traditional drum along with local folk artist Poshibabu.

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

In August 2025, while launching the “Service to Auto Drivers” programme, Chandrababu travelled from his residence to the public meeting venue in an auto-rickshaw.

In June, during another programme at Chamavaram village in Kakinada district, he visited toddy tapper Simhachalam’s residence, handed over a pension of ₹4,000, interacted with the family, affectionately embraced the family’s young grandson, and enquired about their welfare. He also discussed the hardships faced by toddy tappers before tasting freshly collected toddy brought down from a palm tree by Simhachalam’s nephew, Musalayya.

On several occasions, Chandrababu has also spoken publicly about his wife Bhuvaneswari, daughter-in-law Brahmani, and their business activities—something rarely seen in the past.

“This is completely different from his natural style”

Speaking to News18, veteran journalist and author Inaganti Venkata Rao said the transformation 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 Working President of the party and a Cabinet Minister, Lokesh is handling many administrative and organisational matters. Chandrababu only needs to supervise them, which perhaps explains why he now appears more relaxed and cheerful.”

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 authored books on Chandrababu Naidu named Okkadu and on the rise and evolution of the Telugu Desam Party, Prajala Madhya Pathikellu.

He recalled that during Chandrababu’s earlier tenures 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 vision earned him the title “CEO of Andhra Pradesh” from national and international media.

“In those days, he was extremely serious. His complete focus was on administration. He never discussed personal matters or enquired about others’ personal lives. It was always about development projects and their follow-up. Even after returning as Chief Minister in 2014, his priorities remained Amaravati, Polavaram, and rebuilding the newly bifurcated state. While this approach reinforced his image as a focused administrator, it also created a certain distance between him and the people.”

Political observers believe Chandrababu Naidu may be consciously trying to move away from his long-standing image as a serious administrator and become more emotionally connected with the people.

His political rival, YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, is often seen warmly interacting with supporters, placing a hand on their shoulders or heads 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 would finish 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 certainly a qualitative change in Chandrababu Naidu.”

He added that Chandrababu, who once kept his family away from public attention, now proudly speaks about his wife Bhuvaneswari and daughter-in-law Brahmani and frequently shares family-related moments.

“This is the era of Gen Z and Generation Alpha. Seriousness alone doesn’t connect with people anymore. Leaders must emotionally engage with the public. That’s how a mass image is built. People should feel that ‘he is one among us.’ This transformation in Chandrababu reflects that changing reality.”

Senior psychologist Vangipuram Srinivasa Chary, with over three decades of professional experience, told News18 that Chandrababu Naidu is adapting to changing times.

“Today’s Chandrababu Naidu is not the same person he once was. His behaviour has undergone a remarkable transformation. He has become more flexible compared to 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 with ordinary people more warmly without allowing age-related limitations to affect his political and administrative effectiveness.”

According to Srinivasa Chary, delegating major governance responsibilities to Nara Lokesh has given Chandrababu more personal time. He cited the increasing presence of Chandrababu’s wife, Bhuvaneswari, in social media videos as evidence of this evolving public image.

“Politics is about constantly reinventing strategies. Chandrababu appears to be strengthening his modern political approach by carefully studying changing public expectations. Reinvention is part of every political leader’s journey,” he added.

Whether this transformation in Chandrababu Naidu has emerged naturally or is part of a carefully planned political strategy remains open to debate. However, many believe the change has made him appear more approachable and relatable.

The larger question now is whether this softer public image will strengthen Chandrababu Naidu’s political future and, in turn, shape the political trajectory of his heir, Nara Lokesh, in the years ahead.Continue Reading(Edited by : Prashant)