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BJP MP Criticizes Congress Over Bathukamma
BJP MP Criticizes Congress for Restricting Bathukamma Festival at Charminar
Hyderabad: Bathukamma Celebrations Spark Controversy
Mahabubnagar BJP MP DK Aruna has voiced her concerns over the necessity of court intervention to allow the Bathukamma festival near Charminar. She criticized the Congress-led Telangana government, stating that cultural celebrations like Bathukamma should not require legal permissions.
Aruna’s remarks came during a Bathukamma event organized by the BJP Mahila Morcha on Friday evening, October 4, near Charminar. The event was permitted by the Telangana High Court, following a petition filed by BJP state Mahila Morcha president V Shilpa Reddy.
High Court’s Involvement in the Bathukamma Festival
The Bathukamma celebration, an integral part of Telangana’s cultural heritage, was allowed only after the Telangana High Court, led by Justice B Vijaysen Reddy, granted permission. This ruling came in response to Shilpa Reddy’s plea, requesting permission to conduct the Bathukamma event at the Bhagyalaxmi temple, a temple that sits adjacent to the iconic Charminar.
Aruna expressed her disappointment at the situation, stating that it was “regrettable for women to have to seek legal permission to celebrate their cultural heritage.” She emphasized that cultural events like Bathukamma, which is deeply rooted in Telangana’s traditions, should be celebrated freely without the need for court intervention.
Court’s Conditions for Bathukamma Celebrations
The Telangana High Court granted permission for the event but imposed several restrictions. The court allowed the Bathukamma celebration at the Bhagyalaxmi temple for a limited number of participants and time, specifically not more than 100 participants between 4 pm and 6 pm. Additionally, the court mandated the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Charminar, to ensure that the celebration adhered to strict conditions.
These restrictions included a ban on the use of DJ music and the prohibition of political speeches. The court’s directive aimed to maintain the cultural and religious sanctity of the festival while preventing any disruptions in the sensitive Charminar area, which is often a site of public gatherings.
The Bhagyalaxmi Temple Controversy
The Bhagyalaxmi temple, where the Bathukamma event took place, has been at the center of an ongoing legal and political debate. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has classified the temple as an unauthorized construction, sparking controversy over its legitimacy. According to the ASI, the temple was constructed post-1959, in violation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR) of 1958.
The AMASR Act stipulates that no new construction can be erected within a 100-meter radius of protected monuments, such as Charminar, without prior approval from the ASI. This classification of the Bhagyalaxmi temple has led to repeated disputes, with both political parties and local authorities weighing in on the temple’s status.
Political Criticism and Future Implications
DK Aruna’s criticism of the Congress-led Telangana government comes in the context of an ongoing political struggle over the governance of religious and cultural events. Aruna argued that the Bathukamma festival, a symbol of Telangana’s rich cultural heritage, should not be subject to legal restrictions, especially given its deep-rooted significance for women in the state.
The Bathukamma celebration, particularly at a controversial site like the Bhagyalaxmi temple, has wider implications beyond a religious event. It brings into focus the intersection of religion, politics, and law in Telangana. As the BJP continues to challenge the Congress-led government, cultural events such as these may become key battlegrounds for influence in the state.
Conclusion
The Bathukamma celebration near Charminar, though permitted by the court, highlights a broader debate about the regulation of cultural and religious events in Telangana. While the High Court’s permission allowed for the celebration to proceed, the controversy surrounding the Bhagyalaxmi temple and the need for legal intervention remains a point of contention for political leaders like DK Aruna.
The BJP MP’s criticism reflects the ongoing political discourse in Telangana, where issues of religious freedom, heritage, and law continue to be hotly debated. The question of whether cultural festivals like Bathukamma should require legal oversight may continue to stir political tensions in the state.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author based on available information. Readers are encouraged to verify facts from other sources. This content is not intended to defame any party or individual.
