The week-long Visakha Utsav in Visakhapatnam, inaugurated on January 24, began with an unexpected controversy that overshadowed the cultural celebrations. The festival's opening ceremony at RK Beach was marred by a protocol dispute involving Visakhapatnam Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao, who left the venue in protest after being asked to vacate his prominent seating position.
Protocol Dispute Sparks Mayor's Walkout
According to sources familiar with the incident, District Collector A. Mallikarjuna reportedly requested Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao, who holds the title of first citizen of Visakhapatnam, to move away from the main front-row seats during the inaugural ceremony. The collector allegedly asked the mayor to make space for other VIP guests by sitting further back from the central seating area.
Feeling deeply offended by what he perceived as a breach of protocol and disrespect to his official position, Mayor Rao made the dramatic decision to walk away from the festival venue entirely. The incident occurred on Saturday evening as cultural performances and official ceremonies were about to commence at the popular beachfront location.
Attempts at Reconciliation Fail
Realizing the gravity of the situation, District Collector Mallikarjuna immediately attempted to pacify the offended mayor by offering him a better seating arrangement. The reconciliation efforts extended beyond the collector as prominent political figures present at the event joined in trying to resolve the situation.
Ministers Vangalapudi Anita and Kandula Durgesh, along with TDP state president Palla Srinivas, all intervened to persuade Mayor Rao to return to the ceremony. Despite these high-level interventions and offers of improved seating arrangements, the mayor remained firm in his decision to leave the venue, maintaining that the initial protocol breach was unacceptable.
Viral Video and Public Criticism
The entire episode was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media platforms, drawing widespread attention to the protocol dispute. The visual documentation showed the mayor's visible displeasure and subsequent departure from the festival grounds, sparking discussions about official protocols and respect for elected representatives.
Beyond the protocol controversy, the district administration has faced additional criticism for what attendees and observers have described as poor arrangements at the Visakha Utsav. Festival-goers and local residents have raised concerns about organizational aspects of the week-long cultural event, which traditionally attracts thousands of visitors to Visakhapatnam.
Background and Significance
Visakha Utsav is an annual cultural festival that showcases the rich heritage, arts, and traditions of Visakhapatnam and the surrounding Andhra Pradesh region. The week-long celebration typically features cultural performances, traditional arts exhibitions, food festivals, and various entertainment programs that highlight local talent and cultural diversity.
The protocol incident involving the mayor has raised questions about coordination between different administrative bodies and the importance of maintaining proper decorum during official public events. As the first citizen of Visakhapatnam, the mayor's position carries significant ceremonial importance in civic functions and public gatherings.
This controversy comes at a time when cultural festivals across India are working to enhance their organizational standards while maintaining traditional values and official protocols. The incident has sparked discussions about the balance between accommodating multiple dignitaries and respecting established hierarchical protocols during public events.
