Konidela Nagababu needs little introduction. Widely known as the middle brother between Megastar Chiranjeevi and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, he is professionally best recognized today as a judge on the popular television comedy show Jabardasth.
Recently, however, Nagababu has found himself at the center of controversy following a lengthy video statement on the Tirumala laddu issue. In the video, he strongly criticized former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, labeling him a non-Hindu, while projecting himself as a staunch Sanatana Hindu.
Soon after the video went viral, netizens unearthed several of Nagababu’s older interviews in which he openly declared himself an atheist. These resurfaced clips triggered widespread trolling and criticism on social media, with many questioning the contradiction in his stance.
In his latest clarification, Nagababu stated, “I am an Indian and a Hindu. Just as there is space for Charvakas in this dharma, I am also a staunch Sanatana Hindu.” This remark has further fueled debate. Historically, the Charvaka philosophy is known for rejecting ritualism and questioning the very existence of God. Charvakas never identified themselves as Hindus in the conventional sense, and atheists, by definition, generally do not associate themselves with any religious identity.
An older video byte now circulating again shows Nagababu confidently saying, “The very concept of God is wrong. We use God for our convenience. I do not criticize God because I do not believe in His existence.” While these statements reflect his personal worldview rather than outright falsehoods, critics argue that his recent assertions appear politically convenient.
Many believe that Nagababu’s renewed emphasis on Sanatana Hindu identity aligns closely with the current political landscape in Andhra Pradesh, especially with the Bharatiya Janata Party being a key partner in the coalition government. Observers point out that this positioning mirrors the political trajectory adopted by his younger brother, Pawan Kalyan. According to critics, Nagababu’s stance highlights a contradiction—rejecting belief in God while simultaneously seeking identification as a Sanatana Hindu, seemingly for political optics rather than ideological consistency.
