Andhra BJP MLA denies stage access to Dalit sarpanch, video sparks outrage

A video from Adoni in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district has gone viral on social media, showing BJP MLA PV Parthasarathi allegedly humiliating a Dalit sarpanch during a public event by denying him access to the stage upon learning of his caste.

The video, dated June 16, captures Parthasarathi addressing a public gathering in his constituency.

During the event, the MLA is seen calling out to a sarpanch in the crowd, saying, “Hey Sarpanch, you come here, why are you standing there?” As the sarpanch hesitates to step forward, the MLA is then heard asking, “Is he a Christian?”

A Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader standing next to him responds, “He is a Scheduled Caste (SC), sir.” Following this, both the BJP MLA and the TDP leader appear to gesture toward the ground in front of the stage, instructing the sarpanch to remain there instead of joining them on stage. “Okay, come and stand here then,” the MLA says, and the sarpanch complies.

The TDP leader can be seen repeatedly covering her face from the cameras during this exchange.

The video has triggered sharp criticism online, with many calling the incident casteist and humiliating. Several users have pointed to the body language and gestures of the leaders as deeply disrespectful, particularly in a public setting.

“Who’s more to blame the casteist leader who insulted the Dalit sarpanch, or the sarpanch himself who stayed silent, valuing power over dignity? Isn’t this silence what emboldens daily humiliation of Dalits, Muslims, and the marginalised?” wrote an X user.

“A BJP MLA publicly degrades a Dalit Sarpanch with ‘Oh, SC ha?’ This is not a slip-up. It’s caste supremacy showing its real face.” wrote another.