Tea stall shut down for displaying KTR’s photo in Sircilla; Collector faces backlash

Bathula Srinivas, a small tea vendor, has been operating KTR Tea Stall at the ghat for the past four years. However, during the collector's visit this morning, he reportedly objected to the prominent display of Rama Rao's photo on the stall and questioned municipal officials about its trade license. Following his directive, the officials promptly shut down the stall, leaving Srinivas without a source of income.

Hyderabad: In a move that has sparked outrage, Rajanna Sircilla Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha ordered the closure of a tea stall reportedly because it displayed a photo of BRS working president KT Rama Rao. The incident, which took place at Bathukamma Ghat in Sircilla, has drawn sharp criticism from locals and political observers alike.

Bathula Srinivas, a small tea vendor, has been running KTR Tea Stall for the past four years at the ghat. However, when the collector visited the area this morning, he reportedly took offense at prominent display of Rama Rao’s photo on the stall and questioned municipal officials about its trade license. Acting on his orders, the officials swiftly shut down the stall, leaving Srinivas without a means of livelihood.

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When questioned by locals about the abrupt closure, municipal officials distanced themselves, stating that they were acting upon the Collector’s orders.

The action has triggered strong reactions, with many accusing the Congress government of political vendetta. The decision to shut down a tea stall over a mere photograph has fueled criticism that the administration is targeting common citizens who support the opposition. The news went viral on social media with many netizens questioning the Collector’s actions and asking whether it was meant to please the Congress bosses. They pointed out that if the tea vendor had no trade license, the officials could have simply imposed fine rather than shutting it down altogether.

Reacting to the incident, Rama Rao took to X and posted, “Everything shall be remembered. Nothing will be forgotten. I assure you.”