Mahesh criticized the government for turning traditional Sankranti festivities into activities akin to a casino, complete with cockfighting arenas and gambling. He alleged that the coalition leaders established "IPL-style Cockfighting Premier Leagues" in every constituency, generating enormous profits at the expense of public morality. He further claimed that female bouncers were employed at cockfighting events, describing this as a shocking and unacceptable practice.
Deputy Speaker Raghuramakrishna Raju, accusing him of participating in cockfights, and demanded an explanation from Home Minister Vangalapudi Anita regarding the official permissions allegedly granted for these events. He also questioned why Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan failed to suspend MLAs who organized cockfighting tournaments.
Highlighting the scale of the issue, Mahesh alleged that more than 320 cockfighting arenas were established in Krishna district alone, rivaling the infamous activities in the Godavari districts. He also pointed out that some fights were organized on school premises, which he condemned as a disgraceful misuse of public spaces.
Mahesh further alleged that obscene recording dances were part of the festivities, accusing the government of promoting vulgarity instead of development. He questioned whether Pawan Kalyan’s concept of "Sanatana Dharma" included cockfights, gambling, and other such practices.
Mahesh concluded by stating that people are furious with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, blaming them for the decline of Sankranti’s cultural values and turning the festival into a platform for unethical activities.
