Overview

• A video from June 16 in Dhanapuram village shows BJP MLA PV Parthasarathi questioning the sarpanch’s religion and gesturing for him to stay off the stage after learning he was a Scheduled Caste member.
• The footage went viral by June 19, triggering widespread online condemnation and renewed scrutiny of caste dynamics in Andhra Pradesh politics.
• Parthasarathi, who belongs to the Valmiki community, issued an apology on June 20, saying he condemned any hurt caused and had no intention to discriminate.
• Groups including the Kula Vivaksha Porata Samiti and opposition leaders are demanding a formal inquiry and action against both Parthasarathi and TDP leader Gudise Krishnamma.
• The controversy has highlighted strains within the BJP-TDP-Jana Sena ruling coalition over caste relations and may intensify calls for accountability among party leaders.