Weeks after a similar incident in Srikalahasti, YSRCP MLA from Kilivati Sanjeevaiah in Andhra Pradesh took out tractors and distributed groceries and other essential items worth Rs 2 crore across his constituency. The event saw a large number of people gather to collect the doles.

The money was collected from several industries functioning around Sullurpeta and the MLA, Local sarpanch and other prominent personalities participated in the ‘flagging off ceremony’ to dispatch the essentials for those suffering due to the lockdown.

YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP, businessman-turned-politician Vemeireddy Prabhakar Reddy was also part of the programme.

Now the move has triggered a controversy as the Opposition has alleged that it was a reckless move at the time of the global pandemic by gathering large number of people in small spaces.

The Opposition has termed it as complete violation of the lockdown norms by ruling YSRCP MLAs.

Nellore has recorded 67 positive coronavirus cases and two deaths while several areas in Sullurpeta have been identified as contamination zones.

Earlier Srikalahasti YSRCP MLA also took out a similar rally and the temple town witnessed a constant rise in COVID-19 cases after the event, including several police and revenue officers who got infected.