
“Barrelakka”: Championing the Unemployed in Kollapur Elections
Title: Independent Candidate “Barrelakka” Faces Threats but Vows to Continue Fight for the Unemployed
Kollapur, November 24: In a surprising turn of events, Karne Sirisha, popularly known as Barrelakka, has emerged as an independent candidate in the Kolhapur Assembly constituency, sparking widespread discussions and tensions across the state. The 26-year-old, a social media sensation with a significant following, stands as a voice for the unemployed, challenging the traditional political landscape.

Barrelakka’s nomination has garnered increasing support daily, causing concern among other candidates. She has faced threats and physical attacks during her campaign, even enduring an assault on herself and her brother. Despite offers of substantial sums of money to withdraw from the race, Barrelakka remains resolute, asserting that she will not be intimidated by such tactics and is prepared to continue her fight, even at the risk of her life.
After the recent attack, social media influencers, YouTubers, public associations, intellectuals, and citizens have rallied behind Barrelakka. They are actively advocating for her cause, urging voters in the Kollapur constituency to support her candidacy. With the polling date approaching, tensions are escalating among candidates from major political parties in the Kolhapur constituency, turning it into a focal point of discussion statewide.

Barrelakka’s journey from a humble background in Marikal Village, Peddkottapalli Mandal, Karne Sirishadi Nagar, Kurnool District, to becoming a social media icon and political contender, adds an intriguing dimension to her candidacy. Raised in a struggling family, Sirisha, alongside her mother, engaged in daily wage labor to support her two younger brothers. She also worked as a laborer while pursuing her degree at the Open University. A video documenting her daily struggles, posted on Instagram, went viral, bringing her international attention and earning her the moniker “Barrelakka.”
Sirisha, now with 5.73 lakh followers on Instagram, 1.07 lakh on Facebook, and 1.59 lakh subscribers on YouTube, transitioned into politics, standing up for the unemployed. Despite having minimal financial resources, she filed her nomination, declaring a meager Rs.1,500 in her bank account and Rs.6,000 in hand. The overwhelming response from her social media followers has fueled her campaign, with people contributing money and support in various ways.
Addressing the core issue of unemployment, Barrelakka directly challenged the government’s failure to conduct competitive exams effectively. She emphasized that her decision to run as an MLA is not just a personal endeavor but a collective fight for the 40 lakh unemployed individuals in the state. Criticizing the lack of transparency in job appointments, she demanded the disclosure of job vacancies in the state instead of offering mere promises before elections.
Despite facing threats and harassment, Barrelakka remains undeterred, expressing her commitment to disclose details of the individuals behind the attacks after the elections. Her manifesto revolves around creating a job calendar and ensuring transparent appointments to address the longstanding issue of unemployment.
As the political landscape in Kollapur heats up, Barrelakka’s candidacy continues to captivate public attention, turning her into a symbol of resilience against the odds.

Political Upset in Kollapur
In a surprising twist, Karne Sirisha, widely known as Barrelakka, has emerged as an independent candidate in the Kolhapur Assembly constituency. The 25-year-old social media sensation is making waves by representing the voice of the unemployed, disrupting the traditional political scene and sparking discussions across the state.
Threats and Resilience
Barrelakka’s nomination has garnered increasing support but has also drawn threats and physical attacks during her campaign. Undeterred, she remains resolute, rejecting offers to withdraw from the race and vowing to continue her fight, even in the face of danger.
Social Media Backing
Following the recent attack, social media influencers, YouTubers, public associations, intellectuals, and citizens have rallied behind Barrelakka, actively advocating for her cause. With the polling date approaching, tensions are escalating among candidates from major political parties in the Kollapur constituency.
From Struggle to Spotlight

Barrelakka’s journey from Marikal Village to social media fame and political candidacy adds an intriguing dimension to her story. Raised in a struggling family, she worked as a laborer while pursuing her degree at the Open University. A viral video documenting her daily struggles earned her international attention, leading to the moniker “Barrelakka.”
Transition to Politics
With a significant online following, Barrelakka transitioned into politics, filing her nomination despite minimal financial resources. Her social media followers have actively contributed money and support, fueling her unconventional campaign.

Addressing Unemployment Head-On
Barrelakka challenges the government’s failure to conduct effective competitive exams, positioning her candidacy as a collective fight for the 40 lakh unemployed individuals in the state. She calls for transparency in job appointments and the disclosure of job vacancies, emphasizing actions over pre-election promises.
Undeterred and Committed
Despite facing threats and harassment, Barrelakka remains undeterred, expressing her commitment to disclosing details of the attackers after the elections. Her manifesto revolves around creating a job calendar and ensuring transparent appointments to address the longstanding issue of unemployment.
A Symbol of Resilience
As Kollapur’s political landscape heats up, Barrelakka’s candidacy captivates public attention, turning her into a symbol of resilience against the odds.