Tension at Alwal temple as Congress, BRS leaders clash during Bonalu event

A clash broke out between Congress and BRS leaders during a Bonalu event at Alwal’s Sri Balaji Venkateswara Temple. A scuffle over seating led to injuries and police lathi-charge. Cases were filed, and CCTV footage is being reviewed

Hyderabad: Tension ran high at Sri Balaji Venkateswara Temple in Alwal on Tuesday during a cheque distribution programme organised by the Endowments Department for temples in Malkajgiri constituency as part of Bonalu celebrations. A clash broke out between Congress and BRS leaders over protocol violations, leading to a minor scuffle and police intervention.

The incident occurred in the presence of MLAs Beerla Ilaiah (Congress) and Marri Rajasekhar Reddy (BRS), when Congress activists allegedly occupied seats on the dais, leaving out BRS corporators. BRS MLA Rajasekhar Reddy objected strongly, questioning why Congress leaders were seated while BRS elected representatives were sidelined.

---

In the ensuing chaos, heated arguments turned physical, with Congress workers allegedly attacking Ramu Yadav, husband of a BRS corporator, and injuring him severely. A water bottle was also reportedly hurled at MLA Rajasekhar Reddy.

Despite attempts by Government Whip and Congress MLA Beerla Ilaiah to defuse the situation, tempers flared. Police resorted to a mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd and restore order. A few BRS leaders were taken into custody, following which the BRS cadre staged a protest.

The police confirmed that cases have been registered based on complaints from both parties. They are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering other information to initiate action against the perpetrators.