Temple attacks: Endowments Minister slams BJP chief for threatening DGP
Endowments Minister Vellampalli Srinivas came down heavily on BJP state president Somu Veerraju, BJP MLC PVN Madhav, and TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu for threatening Director-General of Police Gautam Sawang over the temple attack issue.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 18 Jan 2021 4:06 AM GMT
Vijayawada: Endowments Minister Vellampalli Srinivas came down heavily on BJP state president Somu Veerraju, BJP MLC PVN Madhav, and TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu for threatening Director-General of Police Gautam Sawang over the temple attack issue.
Speaking to media here on Sunday, the Minister said it is unfortunate that instead of denying the allegations of temple vandalism, BJP State President Somu Veerraju has written a letter threatening Director-General of Police Gautam Sawang.
MLC Madhav said the DGP should substantiate the charges with evidence. He said he would complain to the central government against the DGP.
MLC Madhav noted that TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu has no moral right to speak for Hindus and temples.
He questioned BJP for allying with Pawan Kalyan, who has allegedly hurt the sentiments of Hindus.
"Where were Somu Veerraju and Madhav when 40 temples were demolished in Vijayawada during the previous government? Why they were silent when a chariot was burnt in Tadepalligudem. The state government has handed over Antarvedi chariot blaze case to CBI on September 11, 2020," he said.
Flaying BJP for alleging that the government is involved in conversions, the Minister said the financial assistance is being provided to Archakas, pastors, and imams.
The Minister said while the state government has formed Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate temple offences, Opposition is trying to create a communal divide for political gains.
He said Rs 150 crore has been sanctioned by the previous government from 2014-19 for the development of temples, while Rs 168 crore was sanctioned by this government in 18 months. Also, Rs 70 crore has been sanctioned for the Kanakadurga temple in Vijayawada.
