For Sakshi, Political Mileage More Important Than Owner’s Self-Respect

Nandamuri Balakrishna’s remarks in the AP Assembly created a major controversy. Nobody knows what triggered him, but his language shocked many. He used words like Psycho Gadu and Evadu, which many found unacceptable.

Some believe he targeted Chiranjeevi, while others say he did not mean it that way. Still, the tone was objectionable. Chiranjeevi later released a press note, making it clear that he was offended.

Sakshi Newspaper’s coverage of the issue drew attention. Its main banner headline read “Chiru…Evadu?”. While Balakrishna also called Jagan Psycho Gadu, Sakshi gave little importance to that remark.

Instead, the newspaper highlighted Balakrishna’s comments about Chiranjeevi and downplayed his words against Jagan. The clipping went viral, with people accusing Sakshi of focusing on political mileage rather than defending its owner’s dignity.

On the second page, Sakshi ran another story mocking Balakrishna. It published old reports calling him a psychiatric patient, similar to online trolls, and included statements from YSR Congress leaders criticising him.

Social media users criticised this approach. “Sakshi’s reaction was expected, but they should have shown courage by admitting Balakrishna abused Jagan too. Instead, they hid behind Chiranjeevi,” one comment read.

At the same time, Sakshi praised Chiranjeevi’s press note. Critics pointed out that the note made it seem like Jagan never insulted him. There was no mention of Chiranjeevi pleading with folded hands or celebrities being forced to walk to Jagan’s residence.

In the Assembly, Kamineni Srinivasa Rao alleged that Jagan initially refused to meet film celebrities and wanted them to meet the Cinematography Minister instead. He said Jagan met them only after Chiranjeevi insisted. Chiranjeevi never clarified this part.

Through his press note, Chiranjeevi tried to appear apolitical while criticising Balakrishna. But in doing so, he may have weakened his brother Pawan Kalyan politically, as Pawan had often claimed Jagan insulted Chiranjeevi.