Bandi Sanjay alleges bias in Telangana festivals funding, Congress denies

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay on Monday stoked controversy by alleging that the Telangana government was showing disparity in fund allocation between Ramzan and Hindu festivals in the state.

The Karimnagar MP claimed that the Revanth Reddy-led government allocated Rs 33 crore for Ramzan, while for Hyderabad's regional festival, Bonalu, a paltry Rs 5 lakh was sanctioned.

"We have no objection if you (Telangana government) give funds to Ramzan. You even give an extra Rs 10 crore. But what mistake did Hindus make?" Sanjay said at a gathering in



Hyderabad.

Naming other Hindu festivals, the BJP MP claimed that all these festivals receive inadequate funds.

Refuting Sanjay's claims, Congress leader Shabbir Ali stated that the state government had allocated excess funds as compared to the previous BRS government.

"The Congress government has announced Bonalu festival as a state festival. Excess funds have been allocated, which is Rs 20 crore, for the Hyderabad Bonalu celebration. I myself have distributed checks to the temples along with the endowment department in Malakpet. The amount quoted by Sanjay is incorrect."