Kadapa Chair Row: Bad Handling By Both Sides

Kadapa MLA Reddeppagari Madhavi Reddy was again at the centre of a controversy after she was denied a chair at the Independence Day event in Kadapa. A video widely shared on social media showed her visibly upset with the Joint Collector.

The incident took place at the Kadapa Police Parade Grounds, where only the Collector and Joint Collector had seats on the dais. Although both officials approached the MLA and requested her to come on stage, she refused to participate under those conditions.

This is not the first time Madhavi Reddy has raised concerns over protocol. On earlier occasions, she had complained about not receiving due importance at official events. Officials maintain that existing rules do not mandate a chair for the MLA on such occasions.

Protocol aside, it is important for public representatives and officials to work together for the development of the constituency. Denying a chair to an elected representative while appointees occupy the dais can create unnecessary tension and public embarrassment.

Questions have also been raised about whether the repeated denial of protocol is linked to her being a woman MLA. The Chief Minister is expected to address such issues on priority to avoid further disputes in the future.

However, the MLA’s response has also drawn criticism. Videos of her angrily confronting the Joint Collector were seen as inappropriate by some, who believe she could have registered her protest in a calmer manner. The Chief Minister’s office may need to resolve such matters permanently.