'Land Grabber...': BRS MLA Grabs BJP Leader by Neck as Remark Sets Off Scuffle During Live TV Debate

A live television news debate in connection with the Telangana assembly elections turned ugly when a scuffle broke out between a ruling party MLA and his BJP candidate. In a viral video, the BRS legislator is seen holding his rival by the throat as police and others intervene to separate them.

The incident took place on Wednesday (October 25), following which state BJP president G Kishan Reddy alleged that KP Vivekanand — BRS MLA from Quthbullapur in Hyderabad — attacked Kuna Srisailam Goud, who is the BJP candidate from the constituency, as he was unable to answer the question posed by his rival.

Vivekanand lost his temper and grabbed Goud’s neck after the BJP leader made some derogatory remarks, calling the MLA a “land grabber”. During the open debate, the two had an argument and, on Goud’s remarks, Vivekanand moved towards him, grabbed him by the neck and pushed him.

This incident during the news debate caused chaos as supporters of both the leaders were present, and started breaking through the barricades and throwing around chairs when they were stopped from moving towards the stage.

The BJP condemned the attack and said it reflected the frustration within the BRS about an impending loss. Union minister Reddy said the police should book the BRS MLA, failing which the BJP will take it up legally.

When contacted, BRS spokesperson Sravan Dasoju alleged that Goud made a reference to the BRS MLA’s father though both were supposed to maintain decency and decorum during the debate. “Both of them are supposed to have maintained decency, decorum, and be restrained. Goud should not have driven the debate ‘attacking’ Vivekanand’s parents in the first place and the ruling party MLA should not have attacked his rival. Both could have been sensible and realised the whole world is watching them,” he said.

Elections for the 119-member Telangana legislative assembly will be held on November 30.

(With PTI inputs)