A dramatic scene from Telangana’s Mahabubabad district has gone viral, showing a group of men begging a woman to contest the upcoming Sarpanch election. The video, recorded in Datla village, has sparked huge discussion on social media about political pressure, caste-based reservations, and the role of women in local politics.
What Happened In Datla Village?
Villagers and local political workers gathered outside the house of Ramulamma, the mother of a former MPTC member.
In the video, several men can be seen folding their hands, holding her feet, and requesting her repeatedly to contest the Sarpanch election.
The emotional appeal was made mainly by Congress supporters, who believed she was the strongest candidate for the reserved seat.
Seat Reserved For BC Woman Creates Political Rush
The Sarpanch position in Datla has been officially reserved for a Backward Classes (BC) woman.
Due to this rule, local leaders are searching for a candidate who matches the reservation category and can also ensure victory for the party.
This is why Ramulamma became their first choice. Party members said she had strong goodwill in the village and had the best chance of winning.
Ramulamma’s Reaction To The Emotional Request
Although the men were desperately urging her to agree, Ramulamma did not give an immediate answer.
She told the crowd that she would think about it and announce her decision soon.
The video shows her clearly surprised and overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation.
Why Such Scenes Are Common In Local Elections
This incident highlights a larger political issue: mandatory reservation in Panchayati Raj elections.
Under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments:
- Seats must be reserved for SC, ST, and BC groups
- One-third or more seats are reserved for women
- Rotation of reserved seats happens every election cycle
While this has increased representation for marginalised communities, it also creates a challenge for political parties. They must find candidates who both fit the reservation category and are acceptable to influential local leaders.
The Problem of “Proxy Candidates”
In many villages, especially in seats reserved for women, powerful men often look for female family members to contest on their behalf.
This practice, known as proxy candidacy, allows influential families to retain control over the panchayat indirectly.
Political experts say that this reflects the gap between legal empowerment and ground-level reality. Even though the seat is reserved for a woman, men often continue to control decision-making.
Why The Video Went Viral
The visuals of men kneeling and touching the woman’s feet created a strong emotional reaction online. People shared the clip widely because:
- It looked dramatic and unexpected
- It showed desperation in local politics
- It highlighted how reservation rules shape elections
- It raised questions about power, gender, and caste politics
Many users said the video reflects how political pressure works in rural India.
Conclusion
The viral video from Mahabubabad is more than just a dramatic scene—it reveals how deeply reservation policies influence local politics in India. While the system brings representation to marginalised groups, it also leads to situations where parties rush to find the “right” candidate to fit the criteria. Whether Ramulamma contests or not, the incident shows the emotional, social, and political pressures involved in Panchayat elections. It also highlights the urgent need for genuine empowerment of women, beyond symbolic representation.
FAQs
Why were the men pleading with the woman?
They wanted her to contest the Sarpanch election because the seat was reserved for a BC woman, and they believed she was the strongest candidate.
What is the significance of seat reservation?
Reservation ensures that SC, ST, BC, and women get fair political representation at the village level.
Who is Ramulamma?
She is the mother of a former MPTC member and is respected in the village, making her a preferred candidate.
Why did the video go viral?
Because it showed men kneeling and begging, which created a dramatic and emotional impact online.
What is a proxy candidate?
A person, usually a woman, who contests elections but is controlled by male family members or local leaders behind the scenes.