Officials Step In Over Dalit Temple Entry Row in Kadapa

Kadapa: Officials intervened after a controversy erupted over the entry of Dalits into the Sri Lakshmi Chennakesava Swamy temple at Yerragudipadu village in Kamalapuram mandal of Kadapa district on Sunday and facilitated their darshan.

The issue came to light after a video circulated widely on social media, triggering a debate over alleged caste discrimination and equal access to places of worship.

According to the video, a Dalit man and his daughter were allegedly prevented from entering the temple and subjected to caste-based remarks.

The man also alleged that they were asked to offer prayers from a distance outside the temple premises.

The video sparked a discussion on social media over alleged caste-based restrictions at the temple and whether devotees could be asked to worship from outside the premises.

Following the controversy, officials visited the village and took steps to prevent any tension.

Under the supervision of the DSP and RDO, Dalit devotees were taken into the Sri Lakshmi Chennakesava Swamy temple and facilitated darshan.

Officials remained present on the temple premises and supervised the arrangements.

The devotees entered the temple and offered prayers to the presiding deity.

Revenue officials said the temple entry and darshan took place peacefully and that there were no further disputes.