I think good governance and good politics can go together.
Hear, O guardians of nations, the words of N. Chandrababu Naidu, who declared: “I think good governance and good politics can go together.” In this utterance lies a vision both rare and necessary—that the service of the people and the craft of power need not be enemies. For too often, men say that politics is trickery and compromise, while governance is a dream lost in corruption. Naidu reminds us that the two can walk as companions, if guided by wisdom and integrity.
For good governance is the art of serving the people—building roads, feeding the hungry, lighting homes, and securing justice. It is the work that ensures dignity for the common man and opportunity for the young. Good politics, by contrast, is the art of winning trust and uniting voices, of persuading without deceiving, and of building consensus without betrayal. Alone, each falters: governance without politics has no power to endure, while politics without governance is a hollow game.
History shows us the truth of this union. In ancient India, the reign of Ashoka after the Kalinga War shines as an example. Once a conqueror, he turned to good governance, spreading dharma, building hospitals, roads, and schools, yet he also practiced good politics, uniting diverse peoples under a shared moral vision. Because his governance was just, his politics was strong; because his politics was wise, his governance endured.
Naidu himself, as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, became known for seeking this balance. He pursued modernization, digital innovation, and infrastructure growth, while also navigating the turbulent waters of party politics. His belief was that if leaders proved their worth through governance, their politics would naturally gain the trust of the people. In this, he echoed the eternal truth that the strongest foundation for political power is service, not selfishness.
Therefore, let this wisdom endure: the path of a leader is not to choose between politics and governance, but to weave them into harmony. When governance is just, politics becomes noble; when politics is ethical, governance flourishes. Naidu’s words call to every generation that leadership, rightly practiced, is both the craft of power and the labor of service, bound together for the good of the people.
SOYi Sang Official
Naidu’s view suggests that governance can be focused on the people’s needs while still being politically strategic. But can these two forces coexist without undermining each other? In today’s world, where political power often involves compromise, can we expect any form of governance to remain entirely free of political influence? How can political systems be restructured to support a genuine combination of both?
Ttb
N. Chandrababu Naidu’s statement seems idealistic, but it raises an important point: Shouldn’t the goal of politics be to ensure good governance? How can political leaders align their personal ambitions with the needs of the public? Is there a way to shift the public’s perception of politics so that it’s seen as a means of achieving effective, long-term governance?
TTTha Tich
It’s encouraging to hear that Naidu believes in the possibility of good governance alongside good politics. But in practice, is it possible for politicians to always balance these two without falling into corruption or partisanship? How can political systems evolve to support more transparent and effective governance without the influence of political maneuvering?
BHBinh Ho
Naidu’s statement about the compatibility of good governance and politics makes me question whether true, ethical governance is always compatible with the compromises that come with political power. Do you think politicians should strive to keep politics and governance separate, or is it important to blend them in a way that maintains public trust while advancing their political agendas?
TDPhan Trang Dai
The idea that good governance and good politics can go together is hopeful but perhaps unrealistic. Often, political games and compromises overshadow the pursuit of effective governance. Do you think it’s possible for politicians to fully prioritize good governance while still being successful in their political careers? What examples exist where both principles have genuinely aligned?