Investigate encroachments on the temple lands : Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad

Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad State President Swami Srinivasananda  (Credits:The Hindu)

Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh) – Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad State President Swami Srinivasananda on Sunday asked the State Government to appoint a high-level committee with officials of the Revenue and Endowments Department to identify encroachments on temple lands across the State. The Parishad organised ‘Hindu Dharmika Sammelanam’ at Ponduru to raise voice against the illegal encroachment of Hindu temple lands.

Government, Muslims and Christians have usurped temple lands

On this occasion, Swami Srinivasananda said, “Temple lands have not only been usurped by Government agencies or politicians, but also by people from the Muslim and Christian communities. An estimated 25,000 acres of prime land belonging to Simhachalam, Annavaram, Sri Kalahasti and other temples in the state has been grabbed. Hindu organisations will not allow diversion of Tirupati Devasthan funds for the development of Tirupati city”. Several religious leaders expressed concern over the ‘‘attacks on followers of the Hindu Dharma‘ at various places in the State.

Sadhus protest against the Government takeover of temples

Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad and many other Hindu organisations have launched agitations to free Hindu temples from Government control. It was alleged that some political leaders squeeze the temple money for their political interests in the name of development. (Have the politicians who utilised funds collected from devotees for so-called development, ever dared to use the money of churches and mosques for development ? – Editor)

Editorial Perspectives

• There is not even a remote possibility of such an investigation under the rule of the Hindu-hating Jaganmohan Reddy Government in Andhra Pradesh, so now the Union Government should respect the sentiments of 100 crore Hindus and investigate this case and put the perpetrators behind bars for life.
• It is shameful for Hindus that Sadhus have to raise their voice to save the temple lands. Hindus should now unite and step forward to save the temple lands.
• These unfortunate circumstances highlight the negative repercussions of Government takeovers of temples. As a solution, temples should be entrusted to the care of devotees.