Dalit groups across the state are up in arms over Dendaluru TDP MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar's remarks in a video which went viral on social media networks. In the video the ruling party MLA is seen using abusive language asking Dalits to keep off politics. The MLA claimed that the video in question, was doctored to malign him and sought action behind those involved in this in a complaint he lodged with the West Godavari district SP.

Chintamaneni's remarks have sparked outrage among all sections of society, and Dalit groups in particular, have called for action against. Protests against the MLA were seen across AP and his effigy burnt in several places. Dalit leaders demanded that Chintamaneni be booked under SC/ST Atrocities Act.

In Chittoor, YSR Congress party MLA, Sunil Kumar sat on a protest along with party leaders and workers, on the Bangarupalyam Road. Similarly, a massive protest led by YSRCP SC cell district president, Damineni Kesavulu, was held near Perur in Tirupati Rural Mandal in which a garland of footwear was placed on the TDP MLA's photo.

SC and BC groups staged protests in front of Dr. Ambedkar's statue in Andhra University, seeking the TDP MLA's arrest. They carried Chintamaneni's effigy as a corpse in protest. With police denying permission for this, student groups expressed their fury. President of Mala Mahanadu, Pandu Ashok Kumar, demanded that Chintamaneni be stripped immediately of his MLA and Government Whip positions.

Meanwhile, Republican Party of India (RPI) lodged a complaint with the SC Commission against the Dendaluru MLA, seeking immediate action against Chintamaneni. Dalit groups in Eluru protested against the TDP MLA's remarks and with the legislators followers coming out in his support, there was mild tension in the area. Police resorted to arresting members from both groups.

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