Rajanna-Sircilla Collector draws flak for protocol violation

Sircilla Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha has drawn criticism for an alleged protocol violation during Praja Palana celebrations. He reportedly arrived late, missing the chief guest, Vemulawada MLA Adi Srinivas, and the national flag hoisting

Rajanna-Sircilla: District Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha, no stranger to controversies, has once again courted criticism by allegedly violating protocol during Praja Palana celebrations in Sircilla on Wednesday.

As part of the programme, the State government deputed Government Whip and Vemulawada MLA Adi Srinivas to attend the event held at IDOC in Sircilla. However, when the MLA arrived at the dais, the Collector was conspicuously absent. Instead of receiving the chief guest, Jha arrived after the national flag was hoisted.

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The MLA hoisted the flag in the absence of the Collector, who reportedly walked in at the end of the national anthem. Enraged by his conduct, MLA Srinivas is said to have expressed anger, even showing his wristwatch and telling the Collector, “This is not the correct way”.

It is learnt that the MLA subsequently lodged a complaint with the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister’s Office. He is also believed to have raised the matter with CM’s OSDs, Sheshadri and Srinivas, who advised him to submit a written complaint.

Sources said this was not the first time Jha violated protocol. Similar lapses were reported during the Independence Day celebrations as well.