Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu appears to be focusing more on publicity campaigns than on addressing core governance issues, according to political observers.
Naidu has been actively participating in events that would typically be handled by ministers or government officials, seemingly to project an image that he is directly overseeing all aspects of administration.
A recent example is his participation in the Jala Harathi programme at the Srisailam reservoir, where he ceremonially lifted the dam gates to release water into the Krishna River.
“This was nothing more than a publicity stunt,” said a political analyst. “Lifting dam gates during high water levels is a routine task carried out by officials every year. There was no need for the Chief Minister to travel all the way to Srisailam to perform such a symbolic gesture.”
Likewise, the state government gave significant media attention to the Quantum Valley initiative in Amaravati over the past few months.
Naidu not only inaugurated a related workshop but also reiterated his well-known narrative about developing Cyberabad.
“This, too, could have been handled by his son and IT Minister Nara Lokesh,” the analyst noted.
On Thursday, Naidu attended a Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) at Kothacheruvu village in Puttaparthi mandal, Sri Satya Sai district, along with Lokesh.
Critics pointed out that PTMs are regular school activities and not events that warrant Chief Ministerial attention.
“There was nothing unique about it, but Naidu tried to showcase it as a major initiative of his government,” the analyst said.
Naidu even assumed the role of a teacher during his visit to the Zilla Parishad High School in Kothacheruvu.
He interacted with Class 10 students, reviewed their report cards, and delivered a motivational session encouraging academic excellence.
He also taught a 45-minute class covering topics such as conventional and non-conventional energy sources, power generation, patents, water resources, and the role of technology.
Additionally, he explained the government’s flagship Talliki Vandanam scheme and its benefits. Lokesh sat in on the session, playing the role of an attentive student.
“This, too, was more about optics than substance,” the analyst remarked. “Naidu is trying to portray himself as doing a great service to students, teachers, and parents. But in reality, it's a misuse of time and public resources. Instead, he should focus on revenue-generating programs and pressing governance matters.”
