TPCC Bans Milk Ablutions and JCB Garlands at Congress Events in Telangana

The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) in Hyderabad has issued a circular banning the performance of milk and water ablutions, alongside the use of heavy machinery like JCBs and bulldozers for garlanding leaders during party events. This directive, aimed at all Congress party cadres, is effective immediately across the state.

According to the circular issued by TPCC vice president T Kumar Rao, milk ablutions (Paalabhishekam) and water ablutions (Jalabhishekam) shall not be performed under any circumstances at any Congress party programme, irrespective of the occasion or venue.

The decision was taken in accordance with the directions of Meenakshi Natarajan, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) In-Charge for Telangana. The circular states that every single party functionary is required to adhere strictly to these new rules.

The TPCC explained that practices like Paalabhishekam and Jalabhishekam are completely contrary to the ideology and principles of the Congress Party. The party noted that these practices involve the wastage of food items. Instead of wasting food, the circular directs party workers to undertake food distribution programs, specifically noting that these programs may be undertaken when people face malnutrition.

Additionally, the circular addresses the practice of using heavy machinery during party events. The TPCC observed that during visits of senior party leaders across the state, some leaders had been using JCBs, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery to place oversized garlands on them.

The circular has strictly prohibited this practice, describing these heavy vehicles as "symbols of oppression." The TPCC warned that from now onwards, the use of such vehicles or machinery for garlanding party leaders will also invite disciplinary action against the responsible party workers.