Bathukamma is an important cultural and floral festival celebrated by women in Telangana, symbolizing the beauty of nature and devotion to the goddess Gauri. The recent controversy regarding the Bathukamma celebrations near Charminar has become a focal point of political tension between the BJP and the Congress-led Telangana government.
Background of the Event
On October 4, 2024, the BJP Mahila Morcha organized Bathukamma festivities near Charminar, a historic site in Hyderabad. The event became contentious after the Telangana High Court granted permission to conduct the celebrations, following a plea filed by V Shilpa Reddy, the president of the BJP’s state Mahila Morcha. The court’s decision came after concerns were raised regarding restrictions placed by the state government on the festival’s observance in this particular area.
BJP’s Criticism of the Congress-led Government
Mahabubnagar BJP MP DK Aruna took a strong stance against the Telangana government for allegedly imposing restrictions on the celebration of Bathukamma. According to Aruna, the Congress-led government should not have necessitated court intervention for permission to celebrate a culturally significant event like Bathukamma. She argued that the festival represents the cultural heritage of Telangana, and its celebration in iconic areas like Charminar should be a matter of pride, not contention.
Speaking at the event, Aruna accused the state government of being indifferent to the cultural and religious sentiments of the people. She expressed her dismay that the government had initially sought to restrict the celebrations near Charminar, calling it an “affront to Telangana’s cultural identity.” Aruna stressed that such festivals are integral to the ethos of the state and should not be subject to unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Political Implications
The incident has triggered a broader political debate about cultural freedom and religious expression under the Congress-led administration. The BJP sees this as an opportunity to galvanize support among local communities, positioning itself as a defender of Telangana’s traditions and customs. By framing the restrictions as an attempt to undermine regional identity, the BJP aims to cast the Congress government in a negative light, particularly in the run-up to the 2024 elections.
Bathukamma is not only a religious event but also a symbol of Telangana pride and women’s empowerment, making it a sensitive issue for political parties. The BJP is leveraging the controversy to appeal to the state’s voters, especially women, by portraying the Congress as being disconnected from the cultural values of the local population.
Congress’ Defense
In response, the Telangana government and Congress leaders have downplayed the allegations. They argued that the restrictions were imposed due to security concerns and the need to maintain public order in a high-traffic area like Charminar, which is also a tourist attraction. According to them, the government’s actions were not intended to restrict the celebration of Bathukamma but were taken to ensure public safety and avoid disruption.
Congress officials pointed out that the court permission was a procedural necessity, and that no outright ban or denial of permission was ever intended. They emphasized that the state has always respected and promoted the celebration of Bathukamma, citing the government’s ongoing efforts to support the festival on a larger scale across Telangana.
Conclusion
The Bathukamma celebration near Charminar has become a battleground for political parties in Telangana, with the BJP accusing the Congress-led government of imposing undue restrictions on a cultural event. While the BJP seeks to capitalize on the controversy by presenting itself as the defender of Telangana’s cultural identity, the Congress insists that the issue was simply a matter of security and public order. As the 2024 elections approach, this incident may serve as a flashpoint in the ongoing political rivalry between the two parties, with each trying to win the support of the people by appealing to their cultural and religious sentiments.
