‘This is a political conspiracy': TDP's Prasad Daggupati on viral audio insulting Jr NTR, offers apology

The clip, which has gone viral on social media, reportedly captures the MLA criticising Jr NTR and warning that the film would not be screened in his constituency.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Anantapur Urban MLA Daggupati Venkateswara Prasad has sparked controversy after a purported audio clip surfaced online, allegedly featuring him making derogatory remarks against actor Jr NTR and threatening to block the release of the actor’s upcoming film War 2.

The clip, which has gone viral on social media, reportedly captures the MLA criticising Jr NTR and warning that the film would not be screened in his constituency.

The incident sparked protests outside the MLA’s office on Sunday, and the hashtag #SuspendMLADaggubatiPrasad trended on microblogging site X, with fans demanding action.

#SuspendMLADaggubatiPrasadpic.twitter.com/2uIh5pYJsG

— 𝐔𝐦𝐚𝐫 '𝐍𝐓𝐑' 🤵🏻 (@RavanUmar) August 17, 2025

In the viral recording, a voice claimed to be that of Prasad is heard warning a fan, “War 2 will not be released. It won’t run. I am the MLA here,” when asked to clarify his stance.

The remarks are said to have enraged Jr NTR supporters, who tore down flex banners and staged demonstrations demanding a public apology.

Responding to the backlash, the MLA, on Sunday morning, released a video statement denying any involvement, asserting that the audio clip was fabricated as part of a political conspiracy to tarnish his reputation.

Speaking in Telugu, he said, “Those audio calls are not mine. I have always been an admirer of the Nandamuri family and loved watching Balakrishna and NTR’s films. This is all part of a political conspiracy; the call is fake and has no truth.”

#MLADaggupatiPrasad#AtpMLA#NTR@tarak9999pic.twitter.com/YXbY1Hu1Xr — Prasad Daggupati (@PrasadDOfficial) August 17, 2025

Despite denying the allegations, Prasad offered an apology to Jr NTR’s fans for any hurt caused, saying, “Though I have no connection to it, since my name has been mentioned, I am offering this apology. I will always remain loyal to the Nara and Nandamuri families.”

Furthermore, he confirmed that he had lodged a formal complaint with the Superintendent of Police in Anantapur, requesting an investigation into the alleged fake audio.

The controversy comes ahead of the highly anticipated release of War 2, starring Jr NTR, Hrithik Roshan, and Kiara Advani.

According to media reports, the viral audio originated from a phone call with Jr NTR’s fan association, during which the MLA was allegedly heard criticising the actor for purported disrespect toward TDP Chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu and his son Nara Lokesh.