Watch: Ruckus at Secunderabad Bonalu cheque distribution programme

A protocol dispute disrupted a Bonalu cheque distribution programme in Secunderabad after Congress leaders began distributing cheques before MLA T Padma Rao Goud arrived. Heated arguments and slogan shouting between BRS and Congress workers ended after police intervened and both leaders distributed the cheques together.

Hyderabad: Ruckus prevailed at a Bonalu cheque distribution programme in Secunderabad on Friday over a protocol issue, with BRS and Congress leaders engaging in heated arguments.

Congress leaders began distributing cheques even before local MLA T Padma Rao Goud, who was scheduled to formally distribute them, arrived at the Madhuranagar Community Hall, the venue for the programme. BRS leaders objected to the distribution in the MLA’s absence. Funds of Rs 1.10 crore had been released for 212 cheques in the Secunderabad constituency, and the distribution was scheduled for Friday.

---

However, MLC Balmuri Venkat, accompanied by Congress leaders from Secunderabad, began distributing the cheques. BRS leaders attempted to intervene. Meanwhile, Padma Rao Goud arrived at the venue and expressed his displeasure after finding that the distribution was already under way.

BRS leaders strongly objected to the presence of the defeated Congress candidate from Secunderabad on the stage and his distribution of the cheques. This led to a scuffle between the two groups. Congress leaders raised “Go Back” slogans against the MLA, apparently provoking BRS leaders, who responded with slogans against Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. The exchange escalated into a scuffle between members of the two parties.

Chilakalaguda police arrived at the venue and escorted the protesters out. Chaos prevailed at the programme for some time. Later, Padma Rao Goud and Balmuri Venkat distributed the cheques together, following which the activists called off their protest.