Mahabubabad (Telangana) - Tensions erupted in Kesamudra, Mahabubabad district, today when police detained several Sarpanches on their way to meet ministers to discuss their problems. Sarpanches from various mandals in the district were reportedly leaving Kesamudra to meet with State Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka, who were attending a review meeting at the Mahabubabad Collectorate, to discuss their problems and pending bills. However, the convoy of Sarpanches was stopped by police near Kesamudra. The police detained all the Sarpanches and took them to the Kesamudra police station. This incident has caused widespread anger among the Sarpanches.
Leaders of the Sarpanch JAC have expressed strong displeasure. They stated, "We are not criminals; we are elected representatives. We were simply going to present our concerns to the ministers in a democratic manner by submitting a memorandum." Our bills haven't been paid in six months, we're in debt. Is it right to arrest us instead of listening to us? The sarpanches say that while the government talks about strengthening Panchayati Raj, it's using the police to suppress the sarpanches' voices. Currently, all the sarpanches are at the Kesamudra police station and insist on meeting with ministers. This incident has sparked heated debate in the district.