Reforms need social acceptance: Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on Thursday that being out of power for 10 years has taught him that economic reforms need to be properly linked with social benefits. Else, the political mandate would be lost.

Addressing a session in the India Economic Summit, Naidu, recently elected the new chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, said that from 1995-2004, he was more like a statesman but the party lost the polls.

"There is no need to shy away from reforms, as it helps in creating wealth, which can then be chanellised for inclusiveness. But at the same time, all reforms should be closely interlinked with social benefits," said Naidu.

During his earlier stint as chief minister, Naidu was known more for his tech-savvy image and industry-friendly policies. However, his rivals complained that the state focused more on growth, due to which a section of the population was left aside.

"I learnt in the last 10 years that one needs to keep his political mandate in mind," said Babu. On the challenges that the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana posed, Naidu said that apart from challenges, it has also given a lot of opportunities.

He said competition among states is a good thing and will help in the overall development of India. "During my previous tenure, I used to compete with Karnataka in the IT sector, but it brought the best out of us."

He said as part of his plan for the new Andhra Pradesh, he has developed a focused approach comprising seven missions and will try to provide 100 mbps broadband connectivity to all households in the next few years.

"I have spoken about this ambitious project to the Prime Minister and have been assured all possible help," he said. On his relations with the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre, Naidu said he is getting all possible help from the government.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan of 'Make In India' is getting a strong resonance in Andhra Pradesh.

A 'hotline' call

That a major Cabinet reshuffle is on the cards was eminently visible on Thursday during the session attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Telugu Desam Party leader, when in the midst of the discussion, he left the podium to attend an important call. Though who called was kept secret, it was amply clear that it came from an important authority. On being asked whether the call came from the Prime Minister's Office on the expected Cabinet reshuffle, Naidu dodged the question by saying everyone will get to know in the next two days. The five-month Narendra Modi government is expected to be expanded on Sunday.