The return of N. Chandrababu Naidu, one of the country’s most senior politicians who enjoyed a formidable reputation as an administrator when he last helmed the government of Andhra Pradesh, as Chief Minister of the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh is welcome. The truncated state is set to face serious problems on account of reduced finances, and the need to build a new capital, besides fulfilling the promises Mr Naidu has made, the outlay for which could run into over one lakh crore rupees. An advantage with Mr Naidu is, of course, that his party is an important ally of the BJP in the NDA. We thus expect that the proximity to the ruling party at the Centre, and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, will yield political benefits as well as additional funds for Seemandhra. As the incoming CM will himself appreciate, converting Seemandhra into a Singapore as he has promised, will be contingent on attracting substantial investment. Mr Naidu’s political cordiality with the movers and shakers in New Delhi should help ease this difficulty. Besides the handicap the residuary state faces on account of financial considerations, the IT hub of Hyderabad has been lost to Telangana. The paucity of key educational institutions is another setback. The residuary state is also likely to suffer in the matter of river water allocations as it comes at the tail end of the principal river. We should also keep in mind that traditionally Seemandhra has borne the brunt of recurring natural calamities like cyclone and floods. Overcoming such impediments will call for all the acumen Mr Naidu can command. Mr Naidu’s earlier stint as Chief Minister was dominated by continuous drought conditions, and the burden cast by welfare measures that were necessitated. Now Mr Naidu needs to concentrate more on development of the region which has the longest coastline in the country. Much may depend on the way he balances fresh development and welfare concerns. The CM has a justifiable pro-reform reputation. He could think to avoid conventional ways of governance, avoid wasteful expenditure, and summon fresh ideas of governance aimed at effective measures and quick delivery. Mr Naidu’s task is not going to be limited to the next five years, given his promise of giving Seemandhra a Singapore-like status, which requires a strong foundation. The mindset of people also needs to be changed, besides the physical and social infrastructure. The time is for a new style of politics, besides vigorous administration, the introduction of innovative ideas, and the ability to take along even those who may display scepticism. Mr Naidu has a measure of the state. He is uniquely placed to live up to the billing. We wish him well in his endeavour to move the state several notches.
