Chandrababu Naidu Rejoins Andhra Pradesh Assembly After 31 Months as Chief Minister

Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu made a triumphant return to the Andhra Pradesh assembly today, marking his comeback after an absence of 31 months. Mr. Naidu had previously left the house citing ‘insult to his family’. In November 2021, he vowed to return only after becoming the Chief Minister, a goal he achieved following his party’s landslide victory in the Andhra Pradesh assembly elections.

Today, the Andhra Pradesh assembly warmly welcomed Chandrababu Naidu as he returned as Chief Minister, marking his fourth term in office. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) secured a commanding victory in the assembly elections, winning 135 seats out of the 175-member assembly. Their allies, Jana Sena and BJP, secured 21 and 8 seats respectively. Visuals from the assembly showed the entire house standing in applause as Mr. Naidu entered, reflecting the significance of his return to leadership.

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Chandrababu Naidu Resolute Exit from Andhra Pradesh Assembly

On November 19, 2021, Chandrababu Naidu made a poignant departure from the Andhra Pradesh assembly amidst controversy. Alleged abusive comments directed at his wife by members of the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) prompted Naidu to fight back tears as he exited the assembly with folded hands during a debate on women’s empowerment.

“I will not attend this assembly hereafter. I will return to the House only after becoming the chief minister,” Naidu declared emotionally. He likened the atmosphere in the assembly to a ‘Kaurava Sabha’, drawing a parallel to the infamous hall where Draupadi was humiliated in the epic Mahabharata.

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Political Resurgence Amidst Strategic Alliances

Mr. Naidu’s departure from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and subsequent alignment with the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) prior to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections proved costly for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). The party faced setbacks in both the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, leading to Mr. Naidu’s political marginalization.

A potential defeat in the 2024 elections posed a serious threat to Mr. Naidu’s five-decade-long political career. However, known for his political acumen, Mr. Naidu orchestrated a remarkable comeback by re-aligning with the BJP, despite earlier setbacks and cold receptions. His strategic moves paid off handsomely, securing significant victories in both assembly and Lok Sabha polls. This resurgence not only reinstated him as the Chief Minister but also positioned him as a pivotal figure within the NDA alliance, which secured a historic third term at the Centre.