September 2 is YS Rajasekhar Reddy’s death anniversary. It is common for leaders of any party to pay tributes to their departed leaders on a grand note. But rivals fighting in the name of death anniversary of the departed leader present an ugly picture.
That is what happened in Chirala constituency in Prakasam district. YSRCP leaders in the constituency divided into Karanam Balaram and Amanchi Krishna Mohan groups came to blows while competing to arrange flexis. First Chirala MLA Karanam Balaram group arranged flexis at local YSR statue. Later, former MLA Amanchi’s group tried to outdo them by arranging flexis at the same statue.
Local circle inspector Rajamohan Reddy objected to arranging of flexis and banners at the YSR statue by anyone. Amanchi supporters began agitation demanding that flexis of their rivals too should be removed. Karanam supporters too began a counter protest. As the situation went out of control, police deployed additional force. Amanchi followers entered into heated exchanges with the police too. They finally relented after CI Rajamohan Reddy assured to remove MLA supporters’ flexis.
Karanam and Amanchi have been arch rivals for a long time. Though they are in the same party, the rivalry still continues. Whatever may be the reasons; this open fight to display their loyalty to the party made them a laughing stock.
