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TDP MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna called former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy a “psycho” in the Assembly, sparking a political controversy.
Nandamuri Balakrishna/Jagan Mohan Reddy (Video screengrab/PTI)
Tollywood actor and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna stirred a controversy after he called former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy a ‘psycho’.
Speaking in the State Assembly on Thursday, Balakrishna also expressed displeasure with Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh for placing his name in the ninth spot in an invitation by the Film Development Corporation.
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The controversial remark by Balakrishna, who is also the brother-in-law of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, came after BJP MLA Kamineni Srinivas, while speaking on law and order in the state, claimed that when YSRCP was in power and Tollywood personalities wanted to meet Reddy, he never gave them appointments.
Srinivas also claimed that when a delegation of film personalities went to Reddy’s house to meet him, he came down only after megastar Chiranjeevi raised his voice.
As Balakrishna intervened, he remarked that a delegation of film industry representatives had gone to meet the ‘psycho’ (referring to Reddy).
“It’s false that he (Jagan Mohan Reddy) came to meet them (Tollywood personalities) when Chiranjeevi raised his voice,” Balakrishna said.
Balakrishna also claimed that Jagan Mohan Reddy wanted the industry delegation to meet Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh.
As he continued to speak, Balakrishna expressed his displeasure that his name was ninth on the list of an invitation he received recently from the Film Development Corporation to discuss industry-related issues.
Kandula Durgesh belongs to the Jana Sena Party, which is led by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who is also a popular actor and the younger brother of Chiranjeevi.
Following Balakrishna’s remark, Chiranjeevi clarified that he went to Jagan Mohan Reddy’s residence at his invitation.
He said that during lunch, he explained to Jagan Mohan Reddy about the problems faced by the Tollywood industry and sought time to meet him with a delegation of industry representatives.
Chiranjeevi added that initially, he was told that in view of Covid-19 restrictions, only five persons should come, but they agreed when it was conveyed that the delegation would have 10 members.
The megastar also revealed that he tried to contact Balakrishna to join the delegation, but he was not reachable.
Chiranjeevi said the discussions with Reddy were held in a cordial manner and claimed that because of his initiative, the government agreed to increase the rates of cinema tickets.
Meanwhile, Balakrishna’s remark against Reddy evoked a strong reaction from the YSR Congress Party, which interpreted this as cracks within the ruling coalition government, led by the TDP.
Former MP Bharat Margani said that they condemn the use of the derogatory and abusive word by Balakrishna.
MLC Tumati Madhava Rao said Balakrishna had spoken in the Assembly without any context, making disgraceful remarks that only exposed the internal rifts within the ruling TDP coalition.
“If Balakrishna has problems with Chandrababu Naidu or Pawan Kalyan, he must resolve them within his camp. Dragging YS Jagan Mohan Reddy into their factional fights is unacceptable,” he added.
YSRCP General Secretary Jupudi Prabhakar called Balakrishna the real “psycho”.
“No one surpasses Balakrishna in such behaviour. He even secured a mental health certificate in the Bellamkonda Suresh firing case. A man with such a history calling YS Jagan Mohan Reddy a psycho is laughable,” he said.
He added that Balakrishna’s frustration likely stems from Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan sidelining him within the ruling TDP-led coalition government.
ALSO READ | SIT Links ₹3,500-Crore Liquor Scam To Jagan Reddy, YSRCP Network
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
September 26, 2025, 08:55 IST
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