Priest’s Ugadi message stresses restraint, hard work amid political undertones

During Ugadi celebrations in Hyderabad, a priest’s remarks on leadership, emphasising calmness and hard work, were seen as an indirect jibe at Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, while also predicting governance challenges and positive agricultural prospects for Telangana

Hyderabad: In an apparent but indirect jibe at Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who is known for his frequent outbursts and intemperate language, a priest, while reciting the Telugu almanac as part of Ugadi celebrations here on Thursday, said a leader who speaks less and works more would win people’s appreciation.

“Maintaining calm is good. Even if a mike is offered, a leader who speaks less and works more will win the love of people this Telugu New Year,” said Bachampally Santosh Kumar Sastry, who conducted the ‘Panchanga Sravanam’ at the State government’s official Ugadi celebrations here on Thursday.

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Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and other Cabinet Ministers were present during the almanac recitation. Sastry said the Telugu New Year would witness conflicts for supremacy and power, both within households and in governance.

“It would be between a husband and wife in a house and between a king and his Ministers in administration. Those who are impatient would get defeated,” he said.

“If there are conflicts within, a family will get destroyed. If people work as a team, victory will be inevitable,” Sastry said, adding that, like last year, the State may face financial constraints and the Finance Ministry would need to exercise caution and take tough decisions for effective administration.

On agreements with other States, particularly water-sharing pacts, he advised that matters be handled carefully. He also predicted bountiful rains and an increase in agricultural produce in Telangana.