Several women leaders and members of the Brahma Kumaris tied Rakhis to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at his official residence in Amaravati on Friday, 28 August, marking the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. The gesture drew participation from senior political figures across the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and beyond.

Key Participants

Minister for BC Welfare, Economically Weaker Sections Welfare, Handlooms and Textiles S. Savitha, former minister Peethala Sujatha, NTR District TDP President Gadde Anuradha, and TDP State Secretary Achanta Sunitha were among those who tied Rakhis to Chief Minister Naidu. Naidu conveyed his Rakhi Purnima greetings to all who participated in the celebration.

Nara Lokesh Receives Rakhis at Undavalli Residence

Minister Savitha and Guntur West MLA Galla Madhavi also tied Rakhis to Minister for Human Resources Development, Information Technology and Real Time Governance Nara Lokesh at his Undavalli residence. Lokesh conveyed special thanks for the affection shown to him.

Earlier in the day, Lokesh had extended greetings on the occasion, noting that while he has no biological sister, he considers himself blessed with countless sisters across the Telugu states. “I can never forget the love and affection shown to me by sisters wherever I go in the Telugu states. The warmth and bond shared by women have instilled in me a greater sense of responsibility,” he said.

Lokesh added that his government is committed to teaching children moral values and respect for women from their school years. “Ensuring women’s safety and empowerment is the responsibility of the people’s government,” he said.

Congress Leader Sharmila Reddy Extends Greetings

Andhra Pradesh Congress president Y.S. Sharmila Reddy also marked the occasion with a message, describing Raksha Bandhan as “a symbol of the bond between brothers and sisters, of boundless love, affection, and protection.” She extended wishes to brothers across the Telugu states, expressing hope for their health, happiness, and prosperity.

Significance of the Occasion

Raksha Bandhan, observed annually on the full moon of the Hindu month of Shravana, carries particular resonance in political circles as a moment of public outreach and symbolic solidarity. The participation of leaders from both the ruling TDP and the opposition Congress reflects the festival’s cross-partisan appeal. Notably, the ceremony at the Chief Minister’s residence also included members of the Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual organisation with a significant presence across Andhra Pradesh. The events underscore the continued importance of cultural and religious occasions in shaping public political imagery in the state.