'India has to move towards population management'

Naidu says India, especially southern states, are heading towards a population decline, which could have dangerous implications. His administration is exploring plans for incentives to families that bear more than two children

Narendra Modi has already "planned" for the next general elections, slated for 2029, said Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in a rare comment on the Prime Minister's style of politics and the lessons he has learnt from him.

"He (Modi) is always working for the next election. He has already planned it and working closely with his allies in the interest of the nation... That's how he is working, in a mission mode," Naidu said at the 2024 HT Leadership Summit on Saturday.

Naidu, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party, whose support is crucial for the Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) alliance government since the Bharatiya Janata Party does not have a majority on its own, said his approach was not to "influence" the Centre on decision-making, but work in collaboration with it. "When the Prime Minister shares great ideas with his allies, not only will we work with him, we will strengthen them."

Naidu, who was in conversation with HT's national political editor Sunetra Choudhury, also praised Modi for "respecting" his political partners' views. "He is a strong leader, modern and progressive in outlook. You see, after the swearing-in ceremony, we were told we can go. Then we were informed that he will meet all NDA chief ministers. Then he conducted a four-hour uninterrupted meeting."