Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief, N Chandrababu Naidu, today took oath as the first Chief Minister of the new Andhra Pradesh following its bifurcation.
Governor ESL Narasimhan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Naidu at Nagarjuna University grounds here which was a grand public function attended by a host of dignitaries, including senior BJP leader LK Advani, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, M Venkaiah Naidu.
Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh personally congratulated Naidu on behalf of prime minister Narendra Modi and said: " I believe Andhra will be a glorious state under his leadership."
Earlier Modi in a series of tweets wished Naidu on his swearing-in, he said" As Chandrababu Naidu ji takes oath as CM of Andhra Pradesh this evening , I convey my best wishes to him and his team in developing the State. Chandrababu Garu's administrative experience and commitment to development will be a great asset in taking Andhra Pradesh to newer heights."
"The Centre is committed to extending all possible help to the people and Government of Andhra Pradesh," he added.
Naidu has served as the chief minister of the undivided Andhra Pradesh for two consecutive terms from 1994 to
2004.