Popular singer Mangli has finally addressed the controversy surrounding her alleged association with the YSR Congress Party, more than 10 days after the uproar following her visit to the Arasavalli Sun Temple in Srikakulam district.
She had visited the temple along with Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu and other Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders to offer special prayers.
In an open letter to the media, Mangli dismissed the claims linking her to the YSRCP and criticized those who attacked her for visiting the temple with senior TDP leaders, which sparked dissatisfaction among TDP cadres and criticism on social media.
Mangli admitted that she had sung a song for the YSRCP during the 2019 elections but clarified that she had not done so in 2024.
"Some YSR Congress leaders approached me in 2019, and I sang a song for them. However, I never spoke against any other party," she explained.
She emphasized that she had performed songs for leaders from multiple parties, not just YSRCP.
"In fact, I lost many opportunities because I sang for YSRCP and faced significant humiliation for it. My songs are meant for festivals, not political campaigns," she said.
Mangli also refuted allegations that she had refused to sing a song for TDP president and current Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu before the elections.
"This is a baseless accusation. People are spreading misinformation for political gain. I have great respect for Chandrababu Naidu, who holds an important place in India’s political history. Those spreading these allegations are misusing my song from the 2019 elections to tarnish my image," she added.
Reiterating that she has no political affiliations or biases, Mangli stressed that she is not a campaigner for any political party.
"As an artist, my focus is solely on music. Please do not associate my songs with politics. I have no connection with any political party," she clarified.
However, Mangli remained silent on her acceptance of the SVBC channel director post during Jagan Mohan Reddy's regime and the praise she had previously offered for his leadership.
