BRS Leader K. Kavitha Sparks Controversy Over Appointment to Yadagirigutta Temple Board

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K. Kavitha has sparked political debate after publicly criticizing the Telangana state government's decision to appoint Konidela Surekha, wife of actor K. Chiranjeevi, to the newly constituted Yadagirigutta Devasthanam Trust Board. The 18-member temple board was officially reconstituted under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's administration to oversee the administration and developmental activities of the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. Kavitha questioned the rationale behind nominating a member from neighboring Andhra Pradesh to govern a prominent shrine that she characterized as fundamentally connected to the cultural heritage and people of Telangana.

The BRS leader's remarks triggered immediate pushback from political opponents and public commentators, who labeled her statement as regionalist and counterproductive.

Critics highlighted actor Chiranjeevi's long-standing philanthropy and financial contributions to public welfare and disaster relief initiatives across Telangana.

Furthermore, observers pointed out that major temple trusts nationwide:

—including the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in Andhra Pradesh

—routinely include members from various states to reflect broad regional representation and administrative expertise.

The political exchange underlines lingering sub-regional identity rhetoric and ongoing political friction between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana political factions.