We have seen devotees growing their hair and beards as part of their vow to the gods. They get their heads tonsured and beards shaven off once their vows are fulfilled.
These days, it has become a fashion for politicians, also, to grow beards and take vows that they would not remove the same unless they achieve their goals.
The latest example is that of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy, who is growing his beard and vowed that he would not shave it off till the Congress party comes to power in the state.
Naturally, it evoked some sarcastic comment from Telangana Rashtra Samithi MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha, who said Uttam may have to comb his beard into a plait since the Congress will never come to power.
In Andhra Pradesh, too, there is one such a politician. He is Deputy Chairman of AP Legislative Council Sateesh Reddy from Pulivendula.
He has also grown long beard, since he has taken the vow that he would not remove the beard unless water flows into Gandikota reservoir and is supplied to parched areas of Rayalaseema.
Now, the YSR Congress party leaders are demanding that he should remove his beard. Not that there is water in Gandikota reservoir, but because Sateesh Reddy claimed that Rayalaseema is getting water after the completion of Pattiseema project.
“Why is still keeping his beard, if Pattiseema project is bringing water to Rayalaseema? It clearly shows all the claims of the TDP and Sateesh Reddy are just humbug,” the YSR Congress party leaders said.
