Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu led the state's leadership in extending warm greetings to the people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on Friday, 28 August, with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and opposition leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also joining in. The festival, celebrated across India as a symbol of the bond between brothers and sisters, drew heartfelt messages from across the political spectrum in Amaravati.

Governor and CM's Greetings

Governor Abdul Nazeer conveyed his 'heartiest greetings and good wishes' to the people of the state, describing Raksha Bandhan as a festival that 'celebrates the sacred bond of love, affection and mutual respect between brothers and sisters.' He expressed hope that the occasion would 'strengthen the bonds of love and unity among families and bring happiness, peace and prosperity to all.'

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu shared his wishes in a post on X, saying: 'May this Raksha Bandhan festival, a symbol of the bond between brothers and sisters, fill your life with joy, health, and happiness. On this Rakhi Pournami, I sincerely wish that it spreads light in your lives, fills them with bonds of love.'

Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Reaffirms Women's Welfare Commitment

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the Jana Sena leader, used the occasion to reaffirm the coalition government's commitment to women's safety and empowerment. He extended heartfelt wishes to all sisters and described Rakhi Pournami as 'an emotionally charged symbol of the ties, relationships, and responsibilities intertwined with the Indian family system.'

Kalyan highlighted ongoing welfare initiatives, including Deepam-2 — which provides three free gas cylinders per year — along with the Talli Ki Vandanam and Stree Shakti schemes. He also noted that 426 tribal hamlets have already been connected by roads under the government's tribal development push, with Adavitalli Baata Phase-2 set to expand road connectivity further.

Notably, Kalyan announced that a special blood bank is being established in Araku to protect tribal women from the genetic disease Sickle Cell Anaemia — a targeted health intervention that goes beyond routine festival messaging. 'On this Rakhi Pournami, we affirm our resolve to move forward toward the upliftment and empowerment of girls and women,' he said.

Jagan Mohan Reddy's Message

Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also greeted women on the occasion, saying: 'Your love and affection are my greatest strength and give me immense courage. I will always remain grateful for the warmth and affection you shower upon me as your brother.' He wished that their lives be filled with 'happiness, love, strong bonds, and good health.'

Significance of the Day

Raksha Bandhan, also referred to as Rakhi Pournami in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana. This year, leaders across party lines used the occasion not only to extend greetings but to signal policy priorities — particularly around women's welfare, tribal empowerment, and health access — underscoring how the festival has become a political touchpoint in the state's public discourse.