He flays the state government for poor allocation of funds for the conduct of the Bonalu festival
He said that the devotees were forced to stand in queues in scorching sun amid heatwaves without any drinking water arrangements
HYDERABAD, AUGUST 02, 2026: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar has offered prayers at Sri Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad as part of Bonalu festival on Sunday.
Talking to newsmen, Mr Bandi Sanjay Kumar flayed the state government for allocating meagre funds for the conduct of Bonalu festival in twin cities. He charged that the government had allocated Rs 33 crore for the conduct of Ramzan festival and only Rs 20 crore for the Bonalu festival. He asked whether Hindus should beg the government for the conduct of festivals.
During his visit, he observed long queues of devotees standing in the hot sun and noted the lack of basic facilities, including drinking water. Several devotees also brought these issues to his attention.
The State Government has declared Bonalu as a State festival, but where is the financial support? Both the previous Government and the present Government have neglected the proper conduct of the Bonalu celebrations, he charged. Nearly 80% of Telangana’s population is Hindu, yet the allocation for Bonalu does not reflect that. Is an allocation of only ₹20 crore sufficient? Devotees are facing hardship due to the lack of even basic facilities. Many are forced to stand in long queues under the scorching sun without adequate drinking water or other essential arrangements, he stated.
Is this the way a State festival should be organised? Is it enough for the Chief Minister and Ministers to simply visit the temple and offer prayers? Shouldn’t the Government also address the difficulties faced by thousands of devotees?
He appealed to the Hindu community to remain united and raise their voice to ensure equal treatment for all festivals and urged the State Government to allocate funds for Bonalu, Ganesh festivals, and other Hindu festivals in proportion to the population, so that they can be celebrated in a proper and dignified manner.
About the Author
