Congress, BRS workers clash in Jangaon; police resort to lathicharge

Unrest began when MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy arrived at event venue, accompanied by BRS leaders, some of whom were denied entry by police; BRS MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy and other leaders detained

Hyderabad: Tension flared in Jangaon district ahead of Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy‘s scheduled visit to Erragunta thanda for the launch of welfare schemes.

The situation turned volatile as BRS and Congress activists clashed, forcing authorities to cancel the Minister’s visit.

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The unrest began when MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy arrived at the event venue, accompanied by BRS leaders, some of whom were denied entry by police.

This led to protests, with BRS supporters chanting slogans ‘Jai Palla, Jai BRS’, countered by Congress workers raising ‘Jai Congress’ and ‘Palla go back’ slogans. The verbal altercation escalated into a physical clash, with both groups attacking each other with plastic chairs.

Attempting to control the situation, the police resorted to lathi charge, leaving several individuals injured, including a former BRS sarpanch, eight ward members and other leaders.

Amid the chaos, Congress workers reportedly hurled eggs at the MLA, prompting police to whisk him away in a vehicle. Later, it was reported that he had been detained.

The Minister’s visit was ultimately cancelled due to the high tension. However, the welfare scheme was launched under the supervision of higher officials.

Reacting to the incident, former Minister and senior MLA T Harish Rao condemned the police action, calling it undemocratic and oppressive.
He criticised the Congress government for using force against those questioning its governance.

“This is not people’s governance but people’s oppression,” Harish Rao said, demanding the immediate release of the arrested MLA, former sarpanch and ward members, along with strict action against the police personnel.