YSRCP sees TDP conspiracy over series of incidents in Andhra Pradesh temples

Vijayawada: The minister for endowments, Vellampalli Srinivas, suspected TDP conspiracy over the series of incidents taking place in temples across the state and said TDP chief and former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is playing the Hindutva card to divert the public from the Amaravati land scam.

Regarding the missing silver idols at Kanaka Durga temple, the minister said the chariot has not been in use since the YSRCP came to power and that the theft of the idols may have taken place during the reign of the previous government. In the wake of the Antarvedi incident, during an inspection drive at Indrakeeladri, it was found the three lion idols were missing from the chariot. The minister said that a committee has been constituted to investigate the issue and action will be taken against those involved. He said all measures are being taken to protect the chariots in the temples.

He slammed Mr. Naidu for politicising the issue and trying to create uncertainty among the people. Recalling incidents like the theft of goddess Durga's sarees and jewelry during the TDP regime, the minister said the TDP leaders have exploited and ruined the sanctity of temples. They even demolished temples across the state, he said, adding that the state government is closely monitoring the situation in temples and is taking quick action against the accused.

Further, the minister said that TDP leaders are intentionally creating a ruckus over the issue to divert people's attention from the Amaravati land scam. Mr. Naidu is using religion to bond with BJP leaders, Mr. Srinivas said, alleging that the TDP does not have any respect towards the Hindu religion and Mr. Naidu had, in fact, even performed poojas and rituals wearing shoes on multiple occasions.