'₹33 Crore for Ramzan, Only ₹20 Crore for Bonalu?' Bandi Sanjay Targets Telangana Government

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Sunday accused the Telangana government of neglecting the state's iconic Bonalu festival, alleging that the Congress administration had failed to provide adequate financial support and basic facilities for devotees despite declaring it a state festival.

Speaking to the media after offering prayers at the Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad, Bandi Sanjay claimed that the government had allocated ₹20 crore for Bonalu while earmarking ₹33 crore for Ramzan celebrations. He questioned whether such an allocation was justified, saying Bonalu is celebrated by a majority of the state's population and deserves greater financial backing.

The Union Minister alleged that under the present Congress government, Hindu communities were increasingly being forced to depend on public donations to conduct major religious festivals. He said the government's financial commitment did not reflect the scale or significance of Bonalu in Telangana.

Highlighting the magnitude of the celebrations, Bandi Sanjay said that more than 3,000 temples across the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad observe Bonalu every year. He argued that the current allocation was insufficient to support such large-scale festivities and questioned how the government expected the festival to be conducted effectively with the funds provided.

The BJP leader also referred to a past remark attributed to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, claiming it reflected the Congress party's approach towards different communities. He accused the government of failing to treat all religious festivals on an equal footing.

Bandi Sanjay further alleged that devotees visiting the Ujjaini Mahankali Temple were forced to wait in long queues under the scorching sun without adequate drinking water or other essential amenities. He said the lack of basic arrangements was unacceptable for a festival officially recognised by the state.

Calling Bonalu a symbol of Telangana's culture and heritage, the minister alleged that both the previous BRS government and the current Congress administration had failed to give the festival the attention it deserved. He urged the state government to improve infrastructure and devotee facilities instead of limiting its role to ceremonial visits by ministers.

He also demanded that the government adopt a uniform approach towards all religious festivals, ensure adequate funding for Hindu festivals, and make comprehensive arrangements to enable devotees to celebrate them with dignity and convenience.