CM Chandrababu Shares Political Journey at Vijayawada Book Launch

At the book launch of Mindset Shift authored by Dr. Sharani, daughter of Minister Narayana, held at Labbipet in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu attended as the chief guest. During the event, N. Chandrababu Naidu recalled a compelling incident from the early days of his political career. Reflecting on the power of determination and strong will, he recounted the response he received when he asked for a ministerial position immediately after becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the first time.

N. Chandrababu Naidu shared that he had decided to become a political leader while still in university. Although many advised him to pursue a career in civil services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), he maintained a clear objective to become an MLA. “Even when our Vice-Chancellor offered me a lecturer post, I refused. I told him I was contesting as an MLA and that I would meet him again after winning. As said, I won,” N. Chandrababu Naidu explained.

He stated that after becoming an MLA, he developed a strong desire to become a minister. Recalling the interaction, he said, “Our people approached then Chief Minister Marri Chenna Reddy requesting a ministerial position for me. He looked me up and down and remarked, ‘You were a student at the university until recently, and now that you’ve just won, you want to become a minister? Is this justice?’”

However, N. Chandrababu Naidu said he remained firm in his aspiration. “I told him, if I have the merit, give me the position. I have completed my MA and I will pursue a PhD as well,” he recounted. He added that within two years, he was appointed a minister in the cabinet of Tanguturi Anjaiah. Initially, he was allocated departments such as Archives, Archaeology, Cinematography, Film Industry, and Libraries, which he noted lacked proper district-level offices. Nevertheless, he accepted the challenge and diligently performed his duties. It was during this period, he revealed, that he became acquainted with N. T. Rama Rao.

On this occasion, N. Chandrababu Naidu also spoke about actor Chiranjeevi. “Chiranjeevi had a strong resolve to become an actor. He overcame many challenges to achieve his goal. After N. T. Rama Rao entered politics, Chiranjeevi rose to prominence in the film industry. That was an opportunity,” he said. He emphasized that persistence and the ability to seize opportunities are key to achieving success.