Shocked by the behaviour of Mahabubabad MLA B. Shankar Nayak during the programme to launch Harita Haaram here on Wednesday District Collector Preeti Meena returned to her chambers and complained to higher officials on it.
Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao got furious when he learnt of the incident and asked the MLA to tender an unconditional apology to the Collector. He also warned the MLA that he would be suspended from the party if he failed to mend his ways.
Employees protest
At the public meeting organised to launch the massive plantation programme here the MLA touched the Collector, perhaps intending to move ahead, which amounted to disrespect to the woman officer. Taken aback by the behavior of the MLA, District Collector Preeti Meena returned to her office and shared her anguish with the revenue employees. They immediately came out and staged a protest sporting black badges. They condemned the behavior of MLA and demanded that the government take strict action against him.
The Chief Minister immediately spoke to Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari, Tribal Welfare Minister A. Chandulal and MP A. Sitaram Naik to sort out the issue. He wanted them to ensure that the MLA apologized to the Collector.
This was the second time that the Collector has complained against the MLA. In an earlier instance, he is reported to have entered and sat in her chamber in her absence which she found highly objectionable. The Collector maintained silence and refused to talk to anybody.
Apology accepted
Mr. Srihari spoke to Ms. Meena on phone and assured her that such incidents do not recur and wanted her to accept the apology from the MLA.
Tribal Welfare Minister A. Chandulal and MP A. Sitaram Naik reached the Collector’s Office and persuaded her to accept the MLA’s apology.
Mr. Shankar Naik tendered an apology to the Collector.
Speaking to newsmen, he said the Collector was like his sister and he did not have any ill intention. On earlier occasions too government employees had threatened to go on strike in protest against the harsh tongue and behaviour of Mr. Shankar Naik.