N. Chandrababu Naidu

Nara Chandrababu Naidu, born on April 20, 1950, is a prominent Indian politician who has made significant contributions to the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh. Currently serving as the Chief Minister since 2024, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Minister in the history of the Telugu states. As the national president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Naidu has been a pivotal figure in shaping the region's governance and development.

Naidu's political journey began in 1978 when he was elected to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly as a member of the Indian National Congress. He served as a minister in the state cabinet from 1980 to 1982 before switching allegiance to the TDP, a party founded by his father-in-law, N. T. Rama Rao. His tenure as a TDP Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1989 to 1995 culminated in his appointment as Chief Minister in 1995, where he earned a reputation as a visionary economic reformer.

During his leadership, Naidu implemented transformative policies that modernized Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Hyderabad. He was instrumental in establishing HITEC City, Genome Valley, and the Financial District, alongside major infrastructure projects like the Hyderabad Outer Ring Road and the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. His efforts in promoting information technology-driven economic growth garnered him national prominence, especially after supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance following the 1999 Lok Sabha elections.

Despite facing challenges, including a setback in the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, Naidu's resilience shone through. After a brief arrest in 2023 related to a skills development case, he was cleared of all charges by the Enforcement Directorate in 2026. His political acumen led the TDP to a remarkable victory in the 2024 elections, allowing him to reclaim the Chief Minister's office for the fourth time.