N. Chandrababu Naidu

N. Chandrababu Naidu, the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, is wedded to politics and technology alike. His father-in-law N.T. Rama Rao, the legendary actor-turned founder of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), rode to power by trumping up regional pride and Naidu acquired that legacy.

As the chief minister from a regional party between 1995 and 2004, Naidu thought like a global leader. He focused on technology, investment and infrastructure; wanted to be known as the CEO of Andhra Pradesh.

The state gained prominence on world’s IT map but after his defeat in the 2004 polls, Naidu has been focused more on rural issues. He walks the divide between local and global, regional and national, and rural and urban.