The political war between Telugu Desam Party MP from Vijayawada Kesineni Shivanath alias Chinni and controversial TDP MLA from Tiruvuru constituency Kolikapudi Srinivas has once again come to the fore at the ceremonial Kalyanotsavam at the historic Nemali Venugopalaswamy Temple in Gampalagudem on Monday night.
The supporters of Kesineni and Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao clashed with each other over the presentation of pattu vastrams (silk robes) to the presiding deity as part of the Kalyanotsavam ritual.
Both leaders attended the ceremony with their families. Temple officials, following protocol, handed over the silk robes to the MP while giving talambraalu to the MLA.
However, the MLA reportedly objected, insisting that the silk robes should have been presented to him.
In an attempt to defuse the situation, MP Shivanath reportedly handed over the silk robes to the MLA and stepped aside.
However, tensions flared when a leader from the MP’s camp allegedly attempted to snatch back the robes from the MLA’s side, leading to pushing and heated arguments between the two groups.
The MLA’s supporters alleged that protocol due to the local legislator was denied and termed the alleged snatching attempt as disrespectful, also accusing the MP’s followers of targeting a Dalit MLA.
On the other hand, supporters of the MP maintained that he acted with restraint, avoided escalation and chose to sit among devotees to witness the ceremony after handing over the robes.
Even after the initial scuffle, verbal exchanges reportedly continued between the two camps.
The MP later interacted briefly with the media, speaking about temple development and facilities for devotees without addressing the controversy directly.
The incident has triggered local debate, with residents expressing concern over political differences surfacing during a religious ceremony meant to be conducted in a spirit of devotion.
