Nothing can escape politics, not even a religious festival like Siva Ratra. A political battle of one-upmanship is on in the pilgrimage centre of Kotappakonda in Narasaraopet of Guntur district. The occasion is Siva Ratri. The fight is going on between Narasaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishnadeva Rayalu and Chilakaluripet MLA Vidudaa Rajini.
Both the MP and the MLA are fighting for the control of the temple. Last year too, the battle for supremacy marred the Siva Ratri festival. The fight began during the Prabhalu festivities and the respective supporters of the MLA and the MP pelted stones at each other
Top YSRCP leaders had to intervene to cool off things. Since then, the two politicians have kept their cool and did not squabble.
But, this year again, both the leaders have begun bickering. The Government has released Rs 40 crore for the festivities in Kotappakonda. Both the MP and the MLAs are reportedly fighting for the control over the spending of the funds.
Since the temple comes under the Narsaraopet Parliamentary Constituency, the MP too has released some funds. This has only exacerbated the tensions The temple EO has taken the issue to the notice of Endowments Minister Vellampalli Srinivasa Rao.
This time around, a new incharge has been appointed for Kotappakonda festivities. How he will manage remains to be seen. Both the MP and the MLA are not letting things go. The officials are spending sleepless nights over the temple festivities this Siva Ratri.
