Rebuilding Antarvedi Chariot: Ap Gov Ignores 200 Years Tradition?

Antarvedi chariot mishap had created a huge ruckus. Following serious allegations from the Opposition parties, the state government had ordered for a CBI inquiry into the incident of a 62-year-old ancient chariot that was gutted in fire. Yet, the state politics are revolving around Antarvedi Chariot.

Meanwhile, fresh controversy is brewing over Antarvedi Chariot’s reconstruction. Opposition TDP is accusing the state government of not following due procedure and malpractice. TDP leaders alleged that the state government has not called for a tender process and gearing up to misuse the powers.

Former minister and TDP’s national general secretary Nara Lokesh demanded the government to call for tenders immediately and asked the government to consider the local Agnikula Kshatriya community, the community which has been serving Antarvedi temple since 1823. Lokesh has tweeted demanding the state government to give priority to the community. He has also found fault with the anti-Hindu comments of some of the state ministers in CM Jagan’s cabinet.

Agnikula Kshatriyas has a rich history and legacy behind Antarvedi Chariot. Ancient Agnikula Kshatriyas from Odalarevu village had built a 50-feet Chariot for the Swamy’s parade after Kalyana Mahotsavam and they have been part of building Chariot and its maintenance. This is not all. As per the tradition, even the Chariot is pulled by the people of their community. This has been the practice since 200 years. Given this backdrop, people of this community strongly argue that the rebuilding work of Chariot should be handover to local Agnikula Kshatriyas.

Agnikula Kshatriyas have already raised their concerns over Chariot reconstruction and requested the state government to give the chance to rebuild. With no positive reply, Agnikula Kshatriyas have given a representation letter to former CM and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu. Meanwhile, Janasena president and actor Pawan Kalyan has demanded the state government to give priority to Agnikula Kshatriyas in rebuilding Chariot.

The topic being a sensitive issue and the Centre is closely monitoring, the state government seems to be cautious in its approach. With fresh demands and fresh controversies, the YCP-led government is facing challenges. Meanwhile, Agnikula Kshatriyas are in a no mood to calm down and mounting pressure on the government. One has to wait and watch, how the government would respond to the latest controversy.