Action sought against Congress MLA’s uncle over alleged temple entry discrimination

A Dalit family was allegedly stopped from entering a temple in Mangampalli village in Wanaparthy district by a relative of Congress MLA Megha Reddy. BRS leader RS Praveen Kumar criticised the incident and urged the MLA to seek police action

Mahabubnagar: A Dalit family was allegedly prevented from entering a village temple by a relative of Wanaparthy Congress MLA Megha Reddy in Mangampalli village of Peddamandadi mandal in Wanaparthy district, drawing criticism.

According to reports, Venkatram Reddy, the MLA’s maternal uncle, allegedly stopped a Dalit man who had arrived at the village temple with his family to offer prayers, claiming that they could not enter because his family had built the temple. The man reportedly challenged the claim, pointing out that villagers had contributed money to construct the temple on government land, and questioned the discrimination against Dalits.

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A video of the confrontation has circulated on social media.

Reacting to the incident, BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar questioned whether the Congress leadership would act against the alleged discrimination. He demanded that the MLA file a police complaint against her uncle. “Is this not discrimination, MLA garu?” he asked, urging Megha Reddy to approach the Peddamandadi police station and ensure her uncle’s arrest. He warned that failure to act would invite opposition from Dalit communities.

He also questioned Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who holds the Home portfolio, and demanded that he direct the police to take action. He challenged Congress leaders who had expressed concern over Dalit issues to respond to the incident.

Pointing out that the temple was reportedly built on gram panchayat land, the BRS leader questioned the basis for preventing the family from entering it. He urged Dalit communities to uphold their self-respect and not tolerate humiliation in the name of access to temples.