Controversy Erupts Over Cong MLA Aadi Srinivas’s Rolex Wristwatch

Hyderabad: A controversy erupted over the wristwatch worn by Congress MLA and government Whip Aadi Srinivas in the Assembly on Tuesday, triggering a political slugfest between the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS. Srinivas alleged that social media platforms purportedly run by BRS were spreading false propaganda claiming that he was wearing a luxury Rolex watch worth nearly Rs 1 crore.

Addressing mediapersons at the Assembly media point along with fellow Congress MLAs on Tuesday, Srinivas refuted the allegations and displayed his watch to clarify the claims. He stated that the watch was not a Rolex, as alleged, but a Michael Kors timepiece priced in the range of Rs 10,000 to Rs 40,000.

Srinivas explained that the watch was a gift from a friend who had recently returned from the Gulf and that he had not checked its brand or price until the controversy surfaced. Upon verification, he said, he found the cost to be in a modest range, contrary to the claims made on social media.

Backing Srinivas, Congress MLA Vemula Veeresham accused the BRS of indulging in character assassination of a backward class leader who had risen through hard work and dedication. He even offered to sell the watch to BRS leaders for Rs 20,000 or Rs 30,000, suggesting they could then sell it for Rs 1 crore if their claims were true.

Veeresham further alleged that the episode reflected a “feudal mindset” among BRS leaders who, he said, could not tolerate the rise of leaders from underprivileged sections in politics.