Babu & Pawan Going Overboard In Praising Modi?

The inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram is undoubtedly a landmark day for Andhra Pradesh. The airport is going to improve connectivity, attract investments, boost tourism and create jobs in AP, particularly Uttarandhra. It is one of the state’s biggest infrastructure achievements in recent years.

However, what has generated political discussion after the event is not just the airport itself, but the repeated and high-profile praises showered on Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

There is nothing unusual about a Chief Minister or Deputy CM praising the Prime Minister during a major government event. Such gestures are common, especially when the Centre and the state are ruled by alliance partners. Good relations between New Delhi and a state government often help in securing projects, funds and administrative support. But the debate is about whether the praise has crossed the line.

#PawanKalyan:

"#Modi గారిని అనకూడని మాటలు అంటుంటే…
నాకు కన్నీళ్లు వచ్చాయి… బాధ వచ్చింది.

కొత్త తరానికి ఏం తెలుసు ఆయన కష్టం?

మనం ఆయనికి ఇవ్వాల్సిన మాట…
'మీ మీద మాట పడితే… మా మీద పడ్డట్టే.'" pic.twitter.com/Xy0wYGef1I

— Gulte (@GulteOfficial) August 1, 2026

Another major aspect here is the political timing. The BJP-led Central government is facing severe criticism from sections of farmers, unemployed youth and other groups over various national issues.

While opinions differ on the extent of anti-incumbency, it is clear that the Union government is also facing public pressure on multiple fronts. In such a political environment, some believe Chandrababu and Pawan should maintain a more balanced tone instead of appearing overly enthusiastic in praising the Prime Minister.

AP CM #ChandrababuNaidu asked everyone to chant "Modi, Modi" in recognition of Prime Minister Modi's 25 years of public service to the nation. pic.twitter.com/hBK1ssUPDv

— Gulte (@GulteOfficial) August 1, 2026

The Bhogapuram event should ideally highlight the airport itself is a project expected to transform AP’s economy and benefit Uttarandhra region. Instead, much of the conversation and media attention shifted towards the speeches and praise directed at PM Modi. As a result, the focus moved from the infrastructure project to political messaging.

Excessive praise can sometimes cause unintended effects.

For Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, the challenge is to strike that balance. Maintaining a strong working relationship with the Prime Minister is politically and administratively important. At the same time, they also need to remain sensitive to the broader national mood and ensure that Andhra Pradesh’s own development story stays at the centre of public attention.

In the end, the Bhogapuram airport should be remembered as a milestone in AP’s infrastructure journey. Speeches are temporary, but public infrastructure leaves a lasting impact.