What was once mocked as “wasteful foreign trips” has today turned into a spectacle of frequent overseas junkets by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his son, Minister Nara Lokesh. Since assuming power, the father–son duo together have undertaken over a dozen foreign trips—six by the Chief Minister and eight by the Minister—yet the tangible benefits to Andhra Pradesh remain elusive. Critics say the narrative has flipped: from accusing others to indulging themselves.
Past Propaganda, Present Contradiction
During the previous regime, every foreign visit by former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was subjected to relentless misinformation campaigns. Personal visits were twisted into allegations of extravagance and waste. Today, the same voices are silent—or defensive—as the ruling family embarks on repeated foreign tours, many without clear disclosures or outcomes.
Official or Personal? Transparency Gap
A recurring concern is opacity. Several trips were not clearly declared as official or private. In some cases, even destinations and purposes were not disclosed. For a Chief Minister and a Cabinet Minister, this lack of transparency has raised public suspicion: Where did they go? Why? At whose cost?
Governance on Hold, Travel on Fast-Track
Opposition leaders and civil society argue that while governance challenges pile up—farm distress, unemployment, pending welfare dues—the leadership appears more focused on overseas travel. Repeated claims of “investment outreach” have not translated into confirmed MoUs, grounded projects, or job creation figures.
Chandrababu Naidu’s Foreign Tours (2025–Early 2026)
• Davos, Switzerland (Jan 20–24, 2025 | Official): Attended the World Economic Forum amid tall claims of attracting global investments. No confirmed MoUs or grounded investments followed.
• Europe (Apr 17–22, 2025 | Private): A family trip coinciding with his 75th birthday. No official meetings disclosed.
• Singapore (Jul 26–31, 2025 | Official): Marketed as a major investment outreach with ministers and officials; outcomes remain unclear.
• UAE – Dubai & Abu Dhabi (Oct 22–24, 2025 | Official): Linked to promoting an upcoming partnership summit; investment details still awaited.
• London (Nov 2–6, 2025 | Private): Reported as personal; limited informal interactions cited, no state gains evident.
• London (Dec 31, 2025–Jan 5, 2026 | Undisclosed): Widely reported, officially unannounced—fueling further criticism.
Nara Lokesh’s Overseas Visits (2024–2025)
• USA (Oct–Nov 2024 | Official): Investor and tech meetings were publicized; no post-tour outcomes released.
• Davos (Jan 20–24, 2025 | Official): Part of the AP delegation; heavy publicity, zero confirmed results.
• Dubai (Feb 2025 | Private): Attended a cricket match; not declared as an official tour.
• Singapore (Jul 26–31, 2025 | Official): Joined the CM’s delegation for outreach events.
• London (Sep 2025 | Official Roadshow): Promoted an investment summit; results not visible.
• Australia (Oct 19–24/25, 2025 | Official): Met universities, companies, diaspora; outcomes unclear.
• USA & Canada (Dec 6–10, 2025 | Official): Corporate and diaspora meetings; no investment disclosures.
• London (Post Dec 28, 2025 | Undeclared): Trip not officially announced, adding to opacity concerns.
Where Are the Investments?
Despite frequent travel, the government has not published clear figures on investments secured, projects grounded, or jobs created. When questioned, ministers have dismissed accountability, further deepening public skepticism.
The Boomerang Effect
The aggressive propaganda once unleashed against YS Jagan’s foreign visits has now returned as a boomerang. Social media users and analysts point out the irony: those who once cried foul are now facing the same questions—only louder. As economic stress persists at home, the optics of repeated foreign “shikars” have triggered public anger.
Conclusion
Foreign tours are not inherently wrong. But without transparency, outcomes, or accountability, they risk being seen as indulgence rather than governance. For Andhra Pradesh, the question remains unanswered: After so many trips, what has the State truly gained?
