Are Hindus Really Forced to Beg for Festival Funds?
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Synopsis
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar raised concerns about the Hindu community's struggle for financial support for festivals like Bonalu. He emphasized the community's timely payments of taxes and bills while calling for governmental support. With assurances of protection and funding from the BJP, the future of Hindu festivals in Telangana may see a significant shift.
Key Takeaways
- Hindus are struggling for festival funding.
- Bandi Sanjay criticizes unequal treatment.
- BJP promises support for Hindu celebrations.
- Historical significance of Bonalu festival.
- Community unity emphasized amidst challenges.
Hyderabad, July 20 (NationPress) Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar expressed on Sunday that Hindus find themselves compelled to solicit funds for temples and festivals such as Bonalu.
While joining the Bonalu festivities at the Lal Darwaza temple in Hyderabad's historic district, he pointed out that the Hindu community in the old city diligently pays taxes and utility bills, contrasting with others who do not. “Despite this, our Hindu community is forced to beg for financial support for temples and festivals like Bonalu,” he stated.
The BJP leader assured that if the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gains power in Telangana, there will be assured funding so that every Hindu can celebrate their festivals with dignity.
Bandi Sanjay claimed that some residents had to abandon the old city due to terrorist activities. He urged them to return, promising to safeguard the Hindu community.
He also mentioned that a new tradition has been established for any political figure or celebrity visiting Hyderabad to pay their respects at the Bhagya Laxmi temple at Charminar.
Earlier, Bandi Sanjay participated in the Bonalu celebrations at the Bhagya Laxmi temple and conducted prayers.
In 2021, he had launched his ‘Praja Sangrama Yatra’ from the same temple while serving as the president of the Telangana BJP.
Earlier on the same day, state ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy also paid their respects at the Bhagya Laxmi temple.
Notably, Telangana High Court judge Justice Surepalli Nanda and former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya also attended the temple to offer prayers.
The annual 'Bonalu' festival was celebrated in Hyderabad on Sunday with traditional fervor, drawing thousands of devotees to various temples.
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, along with state ministers, presented silk robes to the deity at the Simhavahini Mahankali temple in Lal Darwaza on behalf of the state government, which has allocated Rs 20 crore for the Bonalu festivities.
BJP National Vice President and Mahabubnagar MP D. K. Aruna visited the Akkanna Madhanna Mahankali temple to perform a special puja and offered bonam to the Simhavahini temple.
Temple officials and festival committee members warmly welcomed Aruna and ensured arrangements for her darshan.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the sentiments expressed by Union Minister Bandi Sanjay. His remarks reflect a broader concern regarding the financial challenges faced by the Hindu community in Telangana, especially during cultural festivities like Bonalu. The government's response to these concerns could redefine community support, inclusivity, and the cultural landscape in the region.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Hindus reportedly begging for funds?
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar stated that despite timely payments of taxes and bills, the Hindu community is compelled to seek financial support for festivals like Bonalu.
What assurances did Bandi Sanjay provide regarding future festival funding?
He assured that if the BJP comes to power in Telangana, funds will be allocated to ensure that every Hindu can celebrate their festivals with pride.
What is the significance of the Bonalu festival?
Bonalu is an important festival in Telangana, celebrated with traditional fervor, representing the community's cultural heritage and devotion.
