Pitru Paksha Dampens Political Activity in Telangana

Hyderabad: The fortnight in the run-up to Navratri, observed as ‘Petramasa Dinalu’, has reportedly slowed down political activities in the state, including the announcement of candidates and the launch of poll campaigns by aspirants.

The ‘Petramasa Dinalu’ period is when the Hindu faithful observe rituals and donate food as a way of pleasing their ancestors. This period ends on October 14, after which political activities are expected to pick up pace.

Although the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) declared candidates for 115 of the total 119 Assembly constituencies much in advance, TPCC sources said the party will announce its list after the end of this fortnight, citing an announcement by Congress’ CM face for Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath that the party would announce names after ‘Pitru Paksha’.

A senior BJP leader said that the party’s election committee is likely to declare its candidate list during Navratri or post-Dasara.

Many residents’ welfare associations across the city reported that while political parties approached them to lobby for votes, they requested meetings only after the fortnight ended.

“Members of political parties contacted us and said that once the ‘Pitru Paksha’ ends, they will visit our colony and have an interaction with us,” said Vivek Verma, a resident of Jayabheri Orange County in Nanakramguda.

A. Narsimhan of Golf View Apartments in Nanakramguda said that MLA aspirants are waiting for the start of Navratri even to meet voters.