In a growing wave of discontent among constituents, MS Raju, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA for Madakasira, is facing severe backlash over his apparent negligence regarding critical water supply issues in the region. Not only is Raju the local MLA, but he also holds the position of party district president and serves on the board of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Despite these responsibilities, locals are questioning his commitment as they struggle daily for access to clean drinking water.
As the summer heat approaches, residents in Madakasira are taking to the streets in protest over persistent water shortages. Villagers from Begarlapalli, Vadrappally, Kodagarla Gutta, Koogirinapally, Jammalabanda, and Rallapalli have organized demonstrations, primarily led by women, demanding immediate solutions to the drinking water crisis. The situation has become dire, with reports of women sitting in protest with empty pots, expressing their frustrations over the lack of action from their elected representatives.
Recent protests have escalated, with women staging sit-ins around local government offices, citing a lack of response after weeks of efforts to seek help. Their emotional appeals highlight the absence of a reliable leader to address their needs, leaving them feeling abandoned. Daily demonstrations have become a routine, with residents voicing their grievances about water scarcity that has only worsened in recent weeks.
The crisis reached a peak when a borewell motor malfunctioned, leaving Ward 18 of Madakasira without a water supply for a staggering 15 days. The community’s frustration is palpable, as residents have resorted to frequent trips to the municipal office, seeking assistance from any available official. On Republic Day, a significant protest occurred as women gathered with their empty vessels at the Hindupur main road near Begarlapalli Cross. They staged a sit-in for an hour, chanting slogans demanding a resolution to the water issue, which ultimately disrupted local traffic.
Upon learning of the protest, local Sub-Inspector Lavanya quickly arrived to engage with the demonstrators. After discussions with the women, she assured them that she would speak to the officials to expedite a solution to their water woes. This promise led to a temporary ceasefire in the protests, as the women dispersed, albeit with skepticism about the promises made.
In the days leading up to these events, women from Kegigutta and Kodagarla Gutta in the Rolla Mandal also took to the national highway to voice their frustrations about the ongoing water crisis. Similarly, protests erupted in Vadrappally, where women gathered on the Hindupur main road to demand action. The situation in the Gudibanda Mandal’s SS Gundlu area mirrored these sentiments, with women rallying for immediate solutions to their water supply problems.
Since the coalition came to power, the local administration has struggled to address even minor issues within the constituency. Frustrations are mounting as residents accuse the MLA of focusing on trivial matters while ignoring the pressing concerns affecting their daily lives. The community is calling for immediate intervention and accountability from their elected officials, demanding that their voices be heard and their needs addressed.
