Leaders across the political spectrum gathered for the annual fete, 'Alai Balai', hosted by Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya at the Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad on Wednesday while Chief Ministers of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana stayed away from the event.

But the absence of both the Chief Ministers did not deter the participants, particularly Dattatreya and other Union Ministers M Venkaiah Naidu and Sujana Chowadary from waxing the bonhomie. Governor ESL Narasimhan is among those who made their presence felt at the mega event.

Dattatreya was praised by one and all for hosting this unique 'Alai Balai' programme every year, echoing the culture and the sentiments of the people of Telangana. Dattatreya began the 'Alai Balai' programme in 2005 and from then onwards it acted as a motivating stage where politicians, beyond their political affiliations, making this as a platform to gather.

Governor E S L Narasimhan expressed the hope that the politicians will exhibit the same sense of unity and oneness shown at 'Alai Balai' during their daily interactions too. The other speakers felt that this programme has now become part of Dussera celebrations. Minister for Finance of Telangana Eetela Rajender, Minister for Home Nayani Narasimha Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana Legislative Council Swamy Goud, BJP national general secretary Muralishar, State party chief K Laxman, BJLP leader G Kishan Reddy, MLA NVSS Prabhakar and TRS MP K Kesav Rao are among those who attended the event.