The Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) flagship annual event, Mahanadu, was held with grandeur on Tuesday in Kadapa, marking the birth anniversary of the party’s founder and legendary leader, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR). While the event drew wide participation from party leaders and supporters, it was the notable absences of two key Nandamuri family members — Nandamuri Balakrishna and Jr. NTR — that stole the spotlight and sparked intense discussions within political and fan circles.
Balakrishna’s No-Show Raises Eyebrows:
A senior leader of the TDP and MLA from Hindupur, Nandamuri Balakrishna, is known for his active involvement in party affairs and has been a regular presence at Mahanadu over the years. However, his absence from this year’s event has raised eyebrows and triggered speculation.
Sources close to the actor-politician suggest that Balakrishna was occupied with the shooting schedule of his upcoming film, which made it difficult for him to attend. Still, the absence of an official explanation from the party has led to rumors of possible underlying political tensions or strategic distancing.
Jr. NTR Continues to Keep Political Distance:
Adding to the chatter was the continued political detachment of Jr. NTR, the popular actor and grandson of NTR, who once campaigned energetically for the TDP. Despite growing calls from fans and some party members urging him to re-engage with the party, Jr. NTR has remained distant from TDP affairs in recent years.
Many speculated that this year’s Mahanadu could have marked his comeback to the political stage, especially given its symbolic significance. His absence, however, left fans disappointed and fuelled further debate about his future in politics.
Political Speculation and Social Media Buzz:
The conspicuous silence from TDP leadership regarding Balakrishna’s absence has only added to the intrigue. Political observers suggest that internal dynamics within the party or the Nandamuri family could be at play, though there is no official word on the matter.
Meanwhile, social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions from party supporters and fans. Some cited professional commitments as a valid reason for Balakrishna’s absence, while others suspected deeper political undercurrents. Jr. NTR’s continued silence has also drawn mixed reactions, ranging from frustration to calls for his political re-entry.
