Ensure peaceful Bunni festival, make temple finances public: Subba Rao

Kurnool: Jai Bharat Mata Seva Samithi Telangana State Vice-President Polina Subba Rao Choudhary has appealed to community leaders and corporation representatives across Kurnool district to ensure the peaceful conduct of the annual Banni festival at Devaragattu Sri Mala Malleswara Swamy temple.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Subba Rao emphasized that collective intervention is vital to prevent traditional stick fights from escalating into violent clashes, which have historically caused casualties, severe injuries, and police cases during Dasara celebrations.

He urged community elders to educate youth through village assemblies and social media platforms to avoid violence and alcohol-fueled unrest, ensuring the event maintains its spiritual sanctity.

In a parallel submission to Kurnool District Collector Dr A Siri, Subba Rao demanded a comprehensive administrative inquiry into the financial management of the Devaragattu temple.

He sought public disclosure of all hundi collections, shop tender fees, and operational expenditures for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 alongside verified audit reports. Furthermore, he pressed for transparent shop allotments, enhanced safety arrangements for visiting pilgrims, and formal financial compensation for families of past festival-related victims.

Warning the district administration to initiate an inquiry and enact safety measures within 15 days, Subba Rao cautioned that he would move the High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) if officials fail to respond.

He stressed that financial transparency and robust safety protocols are necessary to restore public confidence and protect lakhs of visiting devotees.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

V Narendra Kumar

V Narendra Kumar[email protected]

Narendra Kumar Varikuntla is a seasoned journalist with 15 years of experience in reporting and news coverage. He holds a Master's degree in English Literature. He is Staff Correspondent for The Hans India based in Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh Before embarking on his career in journalism, he worked with Tata Robins Fraser (TRF) as a Confidential Assistant at the Rourkela Steel Plant, where he served for 10 years. His tenure at TRF enabled him to develop strong administrative, communication, and organisational skills, which have significantly contributed to his success in journalism. He began his journalistic career with Deccan Chronicle, where he gained valuable experience in reporting and news gathering. Since 2015, he has been serving as a Staff Correspondent with The Hans India, covering the erstwhile Kurnool district, including Kurnool and Nandyal. During his journalism career, Narendra Kumar has extensively reported on governance, politics, public affairs, social issues, agriculture, and developmental activities. He is known for his commitment to accurate, balanced, and responsible journalism, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. In addition to his journalistic profession, he is actively engaged in agriculture and personally cultivates 10 acres of farmland. His close association with farming provides him with firsthand insight into rural life and farmers' issues, enriching his reporting on agriculture and rural development.

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