Tension flared between Tiruvuru MLA Kolikapudi Srinivas and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Chinni during the Brahmotsavams at Nemali Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple in NTR district. What began as a sacred ritual of offering silk robes to the deity quickly turned into a political flashpoint. The dispute unfolded in full public view, shocking devotees and prompting police to tighten security to avoid escalation.
Silk Robe Ritual Triggers Dispute
The annual Brahmotsavams at the Sri Venugopala Swamy temple in Nemali village of Gampalagudem mandal drew large crowds. Both leaders attended the ceremony with their families to participate in the Kalyanotsavam. As part of the tradition, leaders formally present silk robes to the deity.
MP Kesineni Chinni stepped forward to offer the silk robes. At that moment, MLA Kolikapudi Srinivas reportedly asked him to hand them over. Although the MP passed the robes to the MLA, the exchange did not end smoothly. Supporters from both sides soon engaged in a heated verbal argument inside the temple premises.
Supporters Engage in Verbal Clash
The disagreement quickly intensified as party workers raised slogans and confronted each other. Devotees watched in disbelief as the spiritual atmosphere turned tense. Temple authorities struggled to maintain decorum while the argument continued for several minutes.
Police officers, who had deployed security for the festival, immediately moved in and warned both groups to maintain restraint. Officers remained alert throughout the ceremony and ensured that no physical confrontation occurred.
Police Step In to Prevent Escalation
For a brief period, officials feared the religious event could spiral into a larger conflict. However, senior leaders from both camps intervened and urged their supporters to step back. Their timely response helped restore calm and allowed the rituals to continue without further disruption.
Local observers say the incident reflects ongoing political rivalry in the Tiruvuru constituency. While no formal complaint followed the clash, the episode sparked widespread discussion across the NTR district. Many devotees expressed disappointment and urged leaders to keep political differences away from temple traditions.
Although the situation cooled quickly, the confrontation between the two leaders once again highlighted internal tensions within the party at the district level.
