Politicos mark strong presence at Bonalu festivities in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Telangana’s state festival of Bonalu assumed greater significance this time, with elections just a few months away, as politicians flocked to the Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad on Sunday in large numbers, amid public fanfare, to catch voters’ eyes at the Lashkar Bonalu festivities.
While Secunderabad was beautified with lighting and flowers, the usual decorations, hoardings and banners of political parties added to the glimmer as leaders grappled for the spotlight.
Leading the BRS leaders was Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, who presented silk clothes to the deity on the occasion. Kalvakuntla Kavitha, Rao’s daughter, who caught the global spotlight for her Bonalu celebrations, presented a golden ‘Bonam’ to the deity, while minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav and his family presented the ‘Bonam’ at the opening time of 4 am.
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, presents silk clothes to the deity on the occasion. (Image: DC)
Deputy Speaker T. Padma Rao Goud and minister A. Indrakaran Reddy were among the others from the ruling party to visit the temple later in the day.
Not to be outdone by the BRS were BJP and the Congress.
J.P. Nadda, BJP chief, who was in the city for a meeting on Sunday, marked his presence at the temple. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Union minister G. Kishan Reddy, BJP leaders Etala Rajendar and Marri Shashidar Reddy were among the senior BJP leaders who paid their respects to the deity on the day.
J.P. Nadda, BJP chief, who was in the city for a meeting on Sunday, marked his presence at the temple. (Image: DC)
Representing the Congress were CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, senior leader V. Hanumantha Rao and Anjan Kumar Yadav. Hanumantha Rao caught the public imagination as the senior leader shook a leg to the beats of the brass band at the temple.
GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi and her deputy, Srilatha Reddy, besides several corporators, also presented ‘Bonam’ to the deity on the day.