While Venkateswara Prasad allegedly targeted Junior NTR, two others MLAs, two women levelled charges of misconduct against Kuna Ravi Kumar and Naseer Ahmad.
Published Aug 18, 2025 | 5:50 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 18, 2025 | 5:53 PM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Considering the massive fan following of Junior NTR in the state and the potential political backlash that can follow, Naidu didn’t mince any words before issuing a stern warning to the erring MLAs.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu flew into a rage at three TDP MLAs for their irresponsible comments and actions that he felt had tarnished the image of the party.
The sharpest of his criticisms was directed at Anantapur legislator Daggupati Venkateswara Prasad, whose alleged remarks about a blockbuster movie had sparked widespread outrage.
During a teleconference with party workers on Sunday, August 17, Naidu aimed his anger at MLA Venkateswara Prasad over an audio clip circulating on social media, purportedly featuring the lawmaker’s voice.
The clip, recorded days before the release of War-2, a Bollywood film starring Tollywood superstar Junior NTR, allegedly has an MLA’s voice, purported to be of Venkateswara Prasad, using abusive language against the actor for his critical stance toward Naidu and his son, Nara Lokesh.
“How can we stay silent if he criticises our chief minister and Lokesh?” the voice in the clip asks, before ominously declaring that War-2 “will not run” in Anantapur, hinting at a potential boycott. The audio features abuse directed at Junior NTR using filthy and vulgar language.
Naidu, visibly upset, called out the MLA’s reckless comments, emphasising that such behavior could inflict serious damage on the party’s image. “Shouldn’t MLAs think before they speak?”, he asked during the meeting. “Why should the party suffer due to their mistakes?”
The chief minister, known for his calculated approach towards Tollywood, given his familial ties as the son-in-law of legendary actor NTR, is acutely aware of the risks.
Triggering Junior NTR’s massive fanbase could lead to a political backlash, a fact that may have fueled Naidu’s swift response. Naidu warned that he would not tolerate such conduct, regardless of the individual’s position. He also promised strict action if similar incidents occur.
Venkateswara Prasad, however, denied the voice on the audio clip was his.
But Venkateswara Prasad wasn’t the only MLA in the hot seat. Naidu also addressed troubling allegations against two others: Amudalvalasa MLA Kuna Ravi Kumar and Guntur East MLA Naseer Ahmad.
Kuna Ravi Kumar, currently in the US, faces accusations from a KVBP school principal who claims he harassed her with late-night calls and video demands, pressuring her to visit the party office under the guise of discussing school admissions.
While the principal stopped short of alleging sexual harassment, her account raised eyebrows, with many questioning why an MLA would make such calls at odd hours.
Ravi Kumar has denied the claims, labeling them “baseless” and accusing the principal of fabricating the story to deflect from his efforts to expose corruption, including alleged admission scams and resource misuse at the school.
On the other hand, Guntur East MLA Naseer Ahmad is under fire for alleged sexual misconduct. He is accused of an affair with former corporator candidate. This had prompted women’s organisations demand immediate action against him.
Naidu handed out a stern warning to all the leaders that they should safeguard the party’s reputation amid growing public scrutiny. “Irresponsible statements and actions will not be tolerated,” he declared. He sought reports on the three MLAs from senior party leaders.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev).
