Lord Rama's idol beheading: Tension in Ramateertham after mob attacks V Vijay Sai Reddy

Vizianagaram :Tension prevailed in Ramateertham following the beheading of Lord Rama's idol at Sri Kodanada Ramaswamy Temple in Nellimerla Mandal of Vizianagaram district.

A large contingent of police has been deployed to avoid any untoward incident. Orders have also been issued to prevent political and religious groups to organize dharnas.

This followed the attack on the convoy of Rajya Sabha member V Vijay Sai Reddy on Saturday.Ministers Vellampalli Srinivas and Botsa Satyanarayana said they were deeply saddened by the Ramatheertham temple incident and assured action against those responsible for the heinous act.

The ministers held a meeting with the temple authorities and priests and enquired about the incident.Minister for Endowments Vellampalli Srinivas said opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu has been politicizing the Ramatheertham incident.

"During TDP rule, nearly 40 temples were demolished, but today, Naidu is chanting 'Jai Sriram' to fan the sentiments," he said.

Minister Vellampalli Srinivas stated that Chandrababu has no moral right to speak either on God or Hindu traditions as he offered prayers wearing shoes. "If Chandrababu had a role in this incident, Lord Rama would punish him. Chandrababu Naidu wanted to exploit the issue for Tirupati by-election and local body polls," he said.

Minister for Municipal Administration Botsa Satyanarayana said Chandrababu Naidu was conspiring to incite religious hatred in the state.

"He has formed some groups to vandalize Hindu temples. Destroying idols of God is an unforgivable crime and those behind the incident should be punished. The TDP leaders are intentionally alleging the government's role in the Ramatheertham incident to create communal tension in the State," he said.

The Minister said YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government would treat all religions equally.He said the TDP leaders have ruined the sanctity of temples. He said when Chandrababu visited Ramatheertham, he discussed Amravati instead of the temple.