Hyderabad: The annual Alai Balai was held by the Alai Balai Foundation was held on Wednesday at Exhibition Grounds, Nampally in Hyderabad. The event was hosted by Bandaru Vijaya Lakshmi, daughter of Bandaru Dattatreya the chairperson of the foundation.
BJP state president G. Kishan Reddy said, “Alai Balai represents an attempt to be grounded with our culture and traditions in villages along with native cuisine from Telangana state. This is a culture which welcomes everyone.”
“Bathukamma and Dasara represent our culture. This is a festival when pleasantries are exchanged and any animosity is sought to be removed with the coming together of people,” said Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya.
Dr K. Lakshman, national president of BJP’s OBC national morcha said, “’The relation of Dattatreya with Alai Balai is well-known. Bringing everyone together on Dasara bridges the gap despite political differences. The platform had also become a symbol to showcase Telangana struggle during the agitation days. Differences between us should be bridged on the occasion.”
Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao said, “Telangana culture should be forged everywhere. A delegation of leaders should go from here to Manipur to bring people together. In keeping with the passing of 33 per cent reservation for women Dattatreya’s daughter should be given ticket by the BJP. The spirit of Alai Balai should be spread across the country.”
Former governor of Maharashtra Ch. Vidyasagar Rao said, “Alai Balai should be held all over the country. Contrary to popular belief fraternity word was inserted into the Constitution from Buddhist literature. Proper research should be done on this.”
Other dignitaries who attended the meet include K. Jana Reddy, BRS minister Srinivas Yadav, Prof. Kodandaram, Mekapati Rajmohan Reddy, Mizoram Governor Kambhampati Hari Babu, Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi, Jharkhand Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, V. Muraleedharan, MoS, external affairs among others.
