Factional Violence Erupts in Congress Over Mandal President Appointments in Telangana

Tension gripped Arvapally mandal headquarters in Suryapet district on Wednesday (July 8, 2026) as supporters of two Congress leaders clashed over the appointment of party mandal presidents. The dispute involved followers of Bhuvanagiri (Bhongir) MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy and Thungaturthi MLA Mandula Samuel.

The violence began when a group of Congress workers, dissatisfied with the recent appointment of mandal presidents in nine mandals under the Thungaturthi Assembly constituency, set out for a 'Chalo Gandhi Bhavan' programme to lodge a complaint with the party leadership. As their vehicles reached the Arvapally junction, supporters of the MLA allegedly blocked them, leading to heated arguments.

The confrontation quickly escalated into a violent clash, with members of both factions attacking each other with sticks and stones on the main road. The incident caused panic among local residents, and two vehicles were damaged during the violence.

According to reports, supporters of MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy and former Minister Ramreddy Damodar Reddy came under attack during the clash. Several party workers and some police personnel were reportedly injured.

Police arrived at the scene and initially attempted to disperse the groups. However, as the situation worsened with fresh stone-pelting, police resorted to a lathi charge to bring the situation under control. It is learnt that activists had even snatched lathis from the police and attacked rival group members.

The dispute is said to have originated from allegations by the MP's supporters that the MLA had taken unilateral decisions in appointing party mandal presidents. Congress workers had also staged a protest in Tungaturthy earlier this week over the issue. Mr. Reddy's followers and a few police personnel were injured. Police have registered cases against members of both groups and launched an investigation.