Bathukamma sarees turn into political weapon

For years, the Bathukamma festival in Telangana has been closely associated with the distribution of sarees to women, particularly those holding white ration cards. The tradition, introduced during the BRS government under K. Chandrashekar Rao, gave women a symbolic gift tied to the state’s culture.

This year, however, the sarees have not been distributed under the Congress government, leaving many women disappointed. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had promised to give two sarees every year - a step up from the previous government’s scheme. But as the festival season passes, women in villages and towns are asking, “Where are the sarees?”

BRS’s previous scheme and criticism

During KCR’s tenure, sarees were distributed on a large scale. While the move gained political attention, the scheme was also criticized. Opposition parties, including Congress at the time, alleged that the sarees were of poor quality and purchased in bulk at cheap rates. They also accused the government of corruption in the procurement process.

Despite criticism, women came to expect sarees as part of the Bathukamma celebrations. Revanth Reddy, after becoming Chief Minister, pledged that not only would sarees be distributed, but they would be of better quality and given twice a year.

Delayed and restricted distribution

That promise, however, has not materialized. In September 2025, the Chief Minister announced that saree distribution would be limited to members of women’s self-help groups instead of all ration card holders, narrowing the scheme’s reach. Government officials now say that one saree will be given during Bathukamma and another at Sankranti, but the delay has sparked criticism.

Women’s discontent

In villages, women say the absence of sarees has dampened the festive spirit. Videos are circulating on social media where women can be heard saying, “What is Bathukamma without a saree?” In Hyderabad, one woman told reporters, “At least under BRS we received something. Where are the two sarees Revanth promised?”

Women’s groups have also raised complaints that they too have been left out of the distribution process.

Political weapon for BRS and BJP

The BRS has seized the issue, attacking the Congress government online and in public meetings. Party accounts on social media have mocked the Congress slogan of “change,” saying it has only brought confusion. The BJP has also linked the matter to its criticism of Congress for “disrespecting Hindu festivals,” citing restrictions at the Bhagyalakshmi temple during Bathukamma celebrations.

A cultural symbol

For Telangana women, Bathukamma sarees are more than just gifts - they represent cultural identity and pride. The Congress government’s failure to deliver its promise has given opposition parties an unexpected weapon. Whether the discontent will translate into political backlash remains to be seen, but it has already opened up a fresh debate in Telangana politics.