Minister for Endowments C. Ramachandraiah on Thursday found fault with the behavior of YSR Congress party president and Kadapa MP Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy at Tirumala.
Speaking to the media in the Secretariat, Ramachandraiah, referring to Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy indirectly, said that people should visit the temple of Lord Venkateshwara with devotion and not for political gains. Those who come to Tirumala must follow traditions and rules of the temple, he said, adding that making politics on the temple premises was not a good practice.
Reminding about the ban on election campaigning on the Tirumala, he said that unfortunately there was no rule to take action against those flouting rules and polluting the serene atmosphere. “We are unable to take action against those who raise political slogans on the Tirumala in violation of temple traditions. However, it was left to the wisdom of Jagan whether it was proper to shout political slogans at a holy place, he added.
The Minister said that reforms would be brought in the Endowment department. Properties of the temples, including lands, would be placed in a website with an aim to protect them from encroachments. “We would see all the temples have sufficient funds. Auction system would also be implemented in leasing out temple lands to private persons. (NSS)