Madipelli Rajeshwari, the Dalit woman Sarpanch of Narsingapur village in Venkatapur mandal, Mulugu district, encountered caste discrimination during the Bathukamma festival. On Sunday, several women prevented her from participating in the Bathukamma celebrations.
In the 2005 local elections, the Narsingapur Gram Panchayat was reserved for an SC woman. Madipelli Rajeshwari, a Dalit woman from the village, was unanimously elected as Sarpanch with the support of all parties.
After assuming office as Sarpanch, she made grand arrangements for the Sadula Bathukamma and Dasara festivals for the first time in the village. She set out with her family members and relatives, carrying Bathukamma on her head, to participate in these celebrations.
However, several women obstructed her and prevented her from playing Bathukamma. They refused to allow her to join them in the festivities.
