Shiv Sena members on Monday demanded that the BJP snap its ties with the Telugu Desam Party, accusing it of hurting the sentiments of the majority Hindu community by pulling down as many as 45 temples in and around Vijayawada.
Shiv Sena district president B. Pratap Reddy and leaders D. Krishna Reddy, Suresh Kumar and Mohan Reddy burnt an effigy of the State government in front of the Kurnool Collectorate, They demanded resignation of the Endowments Minister Pydikondala Manikyala Rao resenting the State government’s anti-Hindu attitude.
They raised slogans against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and demanded his unconditional apology to the Hindu community.
An ancient Sri Krishna temple built in 1904, a Rahu Kethu temple and Vinayaka temple were among the 45 temples razed to the ground overnight, without any formal notice and after disconnecting power, Mr. Pratap Reddy said. Demolition of temples and dragging the idols by tying ropes to them would not augur well for State, he contended.
Brushing aside an assurance given by a committee constituted on the demolition of the temples to rebuild them, he said the government was apathetic towards the majority community. The Shiv Sena would convene a roundtable meeting with spiritual, social and caste organisations and chalk out the future course of action, he added.
Shiv Sena activists stage protest against demolition of temples in and around Vijayawada