In a dramatic turn of events, political tensions rose in Kothapet, Shadnagar constituency, as officials prepared to inaugurate the newly completed Gram Panchayat building. The dispute reached a boiling point, prompting police intervention and the incarceration of important politicians.
The construction of the Kothapet Gram Panchayat building, which was funded with government NREGS funding totaling 20 lakhs, became the focal point of the power struggle between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BRS party. Sarpanch Naveen Kumar and MPTC Mallesh, both from the BRS party, were apprehended by police during the commotion.
The issue arose from ruling party leaders, particularly MLA Veerlapalli Shankar, insisting that the inauguration ceremony be a collaborative endeavor involving all political forces. The leaders advocated for a program that would allow Shankar to attend, delaying the opposition’s scheduled inauguration on the 22nd of this month.
As the disagreement grew, officials filed a complaint, requiring police involvement to halt the opening ceremony. A security guard was stationed at the Gram Panchayat building, representing the region’s heightened tensions.
Sarpanch Naveen Kumar, addressing the media at the Kondurgu police station, voiced alarm over what he saw as an intentional move by ruling party leaders to block the inauguration. He claimed that the ruling party was using the issue to deny him the opportunity to inaugurate the Gram Panchayat building before the end of his term later this month.
Naveen Kumar, undeterred by the police action, pledged to take legal action against anyone who filed complaints and obstructed the inauguration. He questioned MLA Shankar’s involvement in the process, citing his right as Sarpanch to preside over the building’s opening.
Mahabubnagar MP Manne Srinivas Reddy of the opposition party paid a visit to the Kondurgu police station to discuss the situation and, if possible, observe the opening of the Gram Panchayat building.
