When rotis take political colour at fest

​Nellore: Roti Festival assumed political colours this year, with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Opposition leader and YSRCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy taking part in the festival.

While, Chandrababu Naidu accepted Rashtrabhivrudhi- Amaravati Nirmana roti from former MLA Prabhakar Reddy on Thursday, Jaganmohan Reddy accepted Pratyeka Hodha- Rashtrabhivrudhi roti from his partymen on Friday during his visit to Dargah.

‘Rottela Panduga’ as it is popularly known is being celebrated on the sprawling premises of Bara Shahid Dargah on the banks of the Nellore Swarnala Cheruvu at Dargamitta.

The festival, which had humble beginnings some four decades ago, was always been a symbol of communal harmony never assuming political hues.

In the initial days rotis were exchanged for better education, employment, affluence, health and housing later they were being exchanged for software employment, foreign education, marriage and others.

It was observed that there was significant increase in the number of participants in the festival.

There was huge demand of rotis for marriage and children, this time around. People said that the display boards have been significantly changed indicating the regime of Telugu Desam with Chandrababu Naidu photograph on every flexiboard.

Though names of the sponsors were printed on the banners and posters, the ruling party tried to get maximum mileage through the festival.

It is interesting to note that the Union government also pumped in funds for the festival for preparing ghats at the tank and improving environs.

“We have given more funds for the tank beautification in a bid to improve it as a tourism destination. But, our efforts were not recognised and the State government hogged all the lime light. Not even a single photograph of Prime Minister was on display. We will raise the issue with our party high command,” said a BJP leader on the condition of anonymity.

The state government has been collecting feedback from the devotees on various aspects through IVRS system.

Interestingly, Rashtrabhivrudhi- Amaravati Nirmana roti that was launched by the Chief Minister on Thursday disappeared on Friday morning.

Local leaders, who showed interest to exchange the newly-promoted roti were disappointed as it vanished abruptly within a day.