Protocol row erupts at Temple festival

Rift between MP Kesineni Shivanath and MLA Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao resurfaces

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The simmering political differences between Vijayawada TDP MP Kesineni Shivanath (Chinni) and Tiruvuru MLA Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao flared up once again on Monday night, this time spilling into a public confrontation during a religious ceremony at the Nemali Venu Gopala Swamy Temple in Gampalagudem mandal.

Despite earlier intervention by the TDP leadership to defuse tensions between the two leaders, the dispute resurfaced dramatically during the Brahmotsavams of the temple, particularly at the celestial wedding ceremony of the presiding deity.

Both the MP and the MLA attended the midnight ritual along with their spouses. According to eyewitnesses, temple priests handed over the ceremonial silk garments meant for offering to the deity to MP Kesineni Shivanath and his wife, in line with established protocol.

However, MLA Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao reportedly objected, insisting that he too should be presented with the silk offerings. Temple authorities clarified that, as per protocol, the ceremonial garments are formally presented to only one public representative. They instead offered talambraalu to the MLA.

Unsatisfied, the MLA allegedly snatched the silk garments from the MP’s hands and placed them on his own head, triggering shock and confusion among devotees present at the venue. Supporters of the MP intervened, leading to a heated verbal altercation between the two camps. The confrontation briefly escalated into jostling before police personnel stationed at the temple stepped in to restore order.

MP Kesineni Shivanath was seen pacifying his supporters and urging restraint to prevent further escalation. Subsequently, during the continuation of the Kalyanam ceremony inside the mandapam, the MLA and his spouse were seated in the front row, while the MP and his spouse took seats behind them.

The incident has once again highlighted the unresolved factional tensions within the party at the local level. With tempers running high and large crowds present for the Brahmotsavam celebrations, police maintained tight security in and around the temple premises to prevent any further untoward incidents.