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In the second edition of ABP Network’s The Southern Rising Summit 2024, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, GoI, and National General Secretary of the TDP, shared his insights on critical issues in the aviation sector and reflected on his political journey.

Addressing recent bomb threats to flights, Kinjarapu stated, “We are closely monitoring the situation and intensifying our investigation to find those responsible. Unlawful activities related to civil aviation are being taken very seriously. While these calls have been hoaxes, we are studying patterns to better understand them. Airport security has been strengthened, and international support has been invaluable.”

In a session titled, “Politics for Impact: From MP to Minister, Taking Flight,” he spoke on regulating the aviation industry, emphasizing, “As regulators, our priority is effective policy-making to strengthen the sector. During the festive season, demand typically rises, so we are working with airlines to address this trend. In emergencies, we ensure prices stay stable and flights remain accessible.”

He also highlighted the impact of the UDAAN scheme in making air travel accessible to more Indians, saying: “Air travel should not be seen as a luxury. The UDAAN scheme has successfully completed eight years, making air travel aspirational for many. We have increased the number of airports, particularly in remote areas like Darbhanga, improving connectivity. We are extending UDAAN for another ten years to better serve underserved regions.”

When asked about being the youngest minister in Modi’s cabinet, Naidu said, “My youth brings energy and fresh ideas to the table. There is no baggage and everyone in the cabinet is willing to guide me. Jyotiraditya Scindia has been especially helpful in sharing the PM’s vision for this sector and encouraging me to bring my own ideas forward.”

On whether he always aspired to be a politician, Kinjarapu candidly shared, “After my father’s sudden passing, I felt a responsibility to step in and continue his work. In that sense, I am an accidental politician. Honesty and transparency were core values he lived by, and I strive to uphold those principles. I’m doing my best to give 100% to this role.”

Concluding on a personal note, he expressed the NDA government’s commitment to revitalizing Andhra Pradesh through focused developmental efforts. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I deeply miss my father’s presence. Seeing younger generations with their fathers guiding them reminds me of what I’ve lost.”

The Southern Rising Summit 2024, hosted by ABP Network—India’s premier multi-language news platform—was designed as a tribute to the remarkable growth, cultural richness, and social harmony of India’s southern states. Now in its second edition, the summit convened on the theme “Coming of Age: Identity, Inspiration, Impact,” bringing together prominent voices from politics, culture, and industry to celebrate South India’s influential role in driving economic growth and cultural innovation across the nation.

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