Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Tensions in Narsampet after former MLA statue removal
A statue of former MLA Peddi Sudharshan Reddy was taken down at night in Narsampet.
The statue stood on private land near a government medical college.
Officials said it had been installed without permission.
Police used heavy security and closed nearby areas during the removal.
Some BRS leaders were detained or kept at home.
BRS supporters said Reddy was important to the Telangana movement and helped develop Narsampet.
They accused local MLA Donthi Madhavareddy of causing the removal, but his office has not answered publicly.
Shops, schools, and other groups later closed during a protest shutdown.
Supporters want the statue returned or an official memorial created at the medical college.
The statue of former MLA Peddi Sudharshan Reddy was removed overnight near Narsampet Government Medical College under heavy police security.
Municipal officials said the statue had been installed without permission on private land opposite the medical college and hospital.
BRS leaders and supporters protested, while several leaders were detained or placed under house arrest and nearby areas were sealed.
BRS leaders alleged that local MLA Donthi Madhavareddy pressured authorities to remove the statue; his office has not officially responded.
Traders observed a voluntary bandh, while BRS workers held protests and burned an effigy demanding the statue’s reinstatement.
- Who
- The statue was of former MLA Peddi Sudharshan Reddy; BRS leaders and supporters, municipal officials, police, and local MLA Donthi Madhavareddy were involved in the dispute.
- What
- The statue was removed overnight, triggering protests, detentions, heavy security, and a voluntary town bandh.
- When
- The removal occurred overnight on Monday, and the bandh and further protests took place on Tuesday; supporters had reinstated the statue on August 10.
- Where
- Narsampet in the erstwhile Warangal district, near Narsampet Government Medical College; protests also occurred in Ashoknagar in Khanapur mandal.
- Why
- Municipal officials cited the lack of installation permission on private land, while BRS leaders alleged political pressure and demanded the statue’s return.
Municipal authorities and police
BRS leaders and supporters
Basis for removal
Municipal authorities and police
Municipal officials said the statue was installed without permission on private land, and police removed it under heavy security.
BRS leaders and supporters
BRS leaders said dismantling the statue’s plinth and removing the memorial was unjust given Reddy’s public service and role in the Telangana movement.
Responsibility for the action
Municipal authorities and police
Authorities cited the installation-permission issue; the available reports do not include a public response from the local MLA’s office.
BRS leaders and supporters
BRS leaders alleged that MLA Donthi Madhavareddy pressured officials and used official machinery to remove the statue while abroad.
What should happen next
Municipal authorities and police
Officials have not stated in the reports that the statue will be restored at the original site.
BRS leaders and supporters
Supporters demanded reinstatement at the original location or an official memorial inside the government medical college campus.
- Statue subject
- Former MLA Peddi Sudharshan Reddy
- Location
- Private land opposite Narsampet Government Medical College and hospital
- Official reason
- Municipal officials said the installation lacked permission
- Police response
- Heavy forces removed the statue, sealed surrounding areas, and guarded sensitive locations
- Political response
- BRS leaders and supporters protested and demanded reinstatement
- Bandh
- Traders and commercial associations voluntarily closed businesses across Narsampet
- Allegation
- BRS leaders accused MLA Donthi Madhavareddy of pressuring authorities; his office has not officially responded
