Take action against encroachment on Hindu temples, Telangana BJP MLA writes to Andhra CM

Aug 06, 2024

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], August 6 : Telangana BJP MLA Raja Singh wrote a letter to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday stating that many ancient Hindu temples are being taken over by people of other religions in Andhra Pradesh and urged him to take strict action against such encroachments.
In his letter to Naidu, the BJP MLA from Goshamahal stated six key points of consideration and requested the deployment of a committee to regulate activities at Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh.
"I humbly request the formation of a dedicated committee to oversee and regulate activities at all prominent Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh. This committee should ensure that only individuals and associations belonging to the Hindu religion are permitted to conduct business or any activities within the temple premises," he said in the letter.
He also urged for the prohibition of non-Hindu people or associations from being part of the business activities of the temple.
"Strictly prohibit any persons of other religions or their associations from running businesses or performing activities in and around the temples. This measure is crucial to maintain the religious sanctity and cultural integrity of our sacred sites," he said.
He also stated that he had personally witnessed individuals of other religions, especially Muslims, conducting business activities near temples and also claimed to have noticed Muslim vendors mixing cow meat with flowers intended for Lord Shiva. Later, this act was detected and stopped by the temple of the priests, he said.
"As a frequent visitor to the Sri Saila Devasthanam, I have personally witnessed individuals of other religions, specifically Muslims, conducting business activities near the temple. An alarming incident came to my notice where Muslim vendors were found mixing cow meat with flowers intended for offering to Lord Shiva. This sacrilegious act was fortunately detected and stopped by the temple priests," he mentioned.
In the end, he urged strict actions against such individuals and groups engaging in activities that disrespect or harm the religious sentiments of Hindu devotees and to protect the sanctity of Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh.
"Immediate and strict actions should be taken against any individual or group found engaging in activities that disrespect or harm the religious sentiments of Hindu devotees. Regular inspections and monitoring mechanisms should be implemented to ensure compliance with these regulations," he stated.