Tensions flared in Hyderabad on Sunday outside the office of MLC Chintapandu Naveen Kumar, widely known as Teenmaar Mallanna, after his gunman reportedly opened fire to disperse a group of irate protesters. The incident stemmed from a controversy over Mallanna’s recent remarks targeting fellow MLC and BRS leader K Kavitha.
The protesters, said to be members of Telangana Jagruthi — the cultural organization closely linked to Kavitha — gathered at Mallanna’s office to denounce his comments, which were perceived as deeply offensive and derogatory, particularly due to a veiled reference involving the word “bed.”
Eyewitnesses and police sources said the protest turned unruly when several Jagruthi members allegedly vandalised parts of Mallanna’s office. In response, his personal security officer fired warning shots into the air, reportedly to prevent the situation from escalating. One person, identified as Sai, a member of Telangana Jagruthi, was injured in the chaos. Kavitha’s office has since claimed that the injury was a direct result of the gunfire.
The unrest follows Mallanna’s inflammatory remarks during a recent address, where he questioned Kavitha’s role and legitimacy in matters related to the Backward Classes. His pointed and provocative query —
"Is there a pact over a plate? Is there a pact over a bed? What do you have to do with the benefits meant for Backward Classes? Are you even a Backward Class yourself?" —was widely criticised by Kavitha’s supporters as misogynistic and caste-insensitive.
Mallanna, a former Congress leader now known for his vocal and controversial political commentary, has not publicly responded to the backlash or the protest as of yet. Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Police are maintaining tight vigil in the area and are awaiting formal complaints to decide on further legal proceedings.
This incident adds another flashpoint to the already charged political climate in Telangana, especially with rising tensions between independent voices like Mallanna and leaders of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
