Trinet News | 19 August 2026
Political tension has gripped Narsampet in Warangal district. BRS ranks called for a Narsampet division bandh in protest against the removal of the statue and pedestal of former MLA and senior BRS leader Peddi Sudarshan Reddy. With the public, traders, and educational institutions responding to the bandh call, shops remained shuttered in several areas.
Midnight Removal of the Statue
Recently, BRS ranks had installed the statue of Peddi Sudarshan Reddy in a private land near the Narsampet Government Medical College. However, citing a lack of permissions and failure to follow land regulations, officials removed both the statue and the pedestal during the midnight hours. When news of the statue's removal came to light, BRS leaders and activists expressed intense anger, alleging that it was unjust to remove their leader's statue in the middle of the night.
BRS Call for Bandh
Protesting the removal, the BRS leadership called for a Narsampet division bandh. In the wake of the bandh, police were heavily deployed in Narsampet and surrounding areas. As a precautionary measure, reports emerged that several BRS leaders had been taken into custody by the police. Protests erupted in Narsampet as well as neighboring mandals, with BRS ranks expressing anger against the government and the local Congress leadership.
Politically Heated Narsampet
An emotional atmosphere already prevailed in Narsampet politics due to the passing of Peddi Sudarshan Reddy, who passed away due to illness on July 31. Leaders and citizens from across political parties had paid their respects to him. Various sections noted that Peddi Sudarshan Reddy played a crucial role in the Telangana movement and the development of the Narsampet constituency. Locals also recalled his efforts in establishing the Narsampet Medical College.
Controversy Surrounding Statue Installation
Reports indicated that Peddi Sudarshan Reddy's statue was installed near the medical college on August 10, coinciding with his Dasadina Karma (10th-day death anniversary rituals). The controversy began when officials raised objections regarding the issue of permissions. Subsequently, when the statue's pedestal was removed, BRS ranks staged protests. BRS leaders alleged that this was not merely an issue of permissions, but an act of political vendetta by the government against their party leader. Meanwhile, reports surfaced stating that the ruling party maintained that action was taken strictly according to government regulations.
Heavy Police Security
In view of the bandh, police made extensive security arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents in Narsampet town. Reports had earlier noted the deployment of a large number of police forces, with police keeping a strict vigil on the movements of BRS leaders and activists.
Public Discussion
Public opinions were divided over the statue installation and removal turning into a political controversy. Many expressed the view that while the memories of public leaders should be respected, rules regarding the installation of statues in government lands, private properties, and public spaces must also be followed.
Political Differences Must Stay Away from Public Peace
All political parties need to exercise restraint so that the current situation in Narsampet does not lead to further political tension. While expressing affection for leaders is natural in a democracy, both political parties and the administration bear the responsibility of ensuring that agitations and clashes do not inconvenience the public. Citizens are urging a peaceful resolution to the controversy that respects the services of public figures like Peddi Sudarshan Reddy.
The issue surrounding the removal of Peddi Sudarshan Reddy's statue in Narsampet has currently sparked intense political debate. With the BRS bandh, protests, and preventive police actions, a tense atmosphere prevails in Narsampet. The public hopes that the government and the BRS leadership will find a resolution through talks and restore a peaceful atmosphere in Narsampet.
