A protocol row erupted at the Khilla Maisamma Temple in RK Puram Division, Maheshwaram constituency, during the distribution of cheques related to the Bonalu festival. The situation escalated when former minister and BRS MLA Sabitha Indra Reddy protested against the behaviour of the officials by sitting on the ground under the stage.
MLA Sabitha expressed her anger when officials stated that only beneficiaries would be allowed inside by the police, a situation never seen before. She warned against inviting individuals without protocol to the stage, threatening further protests if such actions continued. Along with local BRS leaders, Sabitha staged a sit-in protest at the event.
“Change the law in Assembly on protocol if you want those defeated by people to participate”, she said.
While BRS protests continued, Endowments Department officials and local Congress party representatives distributed cheques related to the Bonalu festival arrangements to various temple committees. The temple premises turned into a battleground with parties criticising each other and holding protests.
Police were deployed to ensure no untoward incidents occurred. Tensions rose as MLA Sabitha Indra Reddy protested at the Khilla Maisamma Bonalu cheque distribution event. Police and the Executive Officer (EO) informed that only those receiving checks were permitted in the meeting hall, and MLA’s followers were not allowed, leading Sabitha to stage a protest by sitting under the stage. Sabitha also protested against allowing those who lost in the MLA elections to the stage, causing further tension at the Khilla Maisamma Temple.
The EO invited Maheshwaram Congress in-charge K Laxma Reddy (KLR) to the cheque distribution stage, leading Sabitha to question how he was allowed despite lacking protocol. This led to a scuffle between BRS and Congress supporters. Chanting “KLR Go Back,” BRS members clashed with Congress supporters. The protest continued for half an hour, with both sides shouting slogans. Ultimately, Sabitha Indra Reddy and BRS members moved outside the temple premises to continue their protest, highlighting the escalating tension over protocol issues.