Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Saturday, 1 August publicly rallied behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a function in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district, urging citizens across the country to stand by his leadership amid criticism and reported verbal attacks directed at him during recent protests. Both leaders shared the dais with the Prime Minister at the inauguration of the Alluri Sitaramara Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram.

What Chandrababu Naidu Said

Describing Modi as a 'blessing' for India and the 'tallest leader' in the world, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief made a direct appeal to the nation. 'Mr Narendra Modi is the right man at the right time and at the right place. The nation is blessed with his leadership. I am appealing to the entire nation to think only one thing — without him we can't imagine 2047,' Naidu said at the public meeting.

The Chief Minister repeatedly urged the audience to chant slogans in support of the Prime Minister. He cited India's digital payments leadership, the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) framework, direct benefit transfers (DBT), infrastructure expansion including high-speed trains, Metros, ports, and green energy, and reforms such as GST and Ayushman Bharat as evidence of transformative governance over the past decade. 'The world's largest digital transactions are happening not in America, not in China but in India,' he said.

Naidu, who said he first became a legislator in 1978 and a minister in 1980, claimed he had never encountered a leader with such clarity and a singular focus on 'nation first.' He also argued that Modi had navigated the country through the Middle East conflict and rainfall deficits with relatively limited hardship for citizens.

Pawan Kalyan's Emotional Appeal

Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said he was 'pained' by the language reportedly used against the Prime Minister at a protest at Jantar Mantar, stating the abusive words brought tears to his eyes. 'When I heard all the criticism directed at him, I wanted to say one thing to the Prime Minister: there is no leader in India who can surpass you, nor will there be,' he said.

Drawing a cultural analogy, Kalyan compared leading the nation to 'Lord Rama's divine mission' and said citizens should consider what role they can play as 'Hanuman' in supporting that mission. He also noted that Modi's decision to publicly forgive those who abused him 'speaks volumes about his character.'

The Deputy Chief Minister called for ensuring Modi remains in power for as long as he chooses and advised parents to instil civic responsibility in children under the age of 25.

Political Context

Both TDP and JSP are alliance partners of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre. Their strong endorsement at a high-profile infrastructure inauguration underscores the NDA's effort to project unity and consolidate support for the Prime Minister following the protests. The event also served as a platform to highlight the Centre's infrastructure commitments to Andhra Pradesh, a state that has been vocal about its development aspirations since bifurcation.

What Comes Next

The public show of solidarity by two key NDA allies from the south is likely to be read as a political signal ahead of ongoing debates around the protest incidents. Andhra Pradesh's relationship with the Centre — particularly on capital city development and special status demands — remains a live issue, and gestures like Saturday's are as much about reinforcing that bond as they are about defending the Prime Minister.