TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao addressing the media in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
Launching a sharp attack on the former Chief Minister, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) State president Palla Srinivasa Rao on Sunday alleged that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leadership “disrespected the Hindu faith and sentiments, and is using religious beliefs for political gain.”
“While in power, the YSRCP failed to uphold the dignity of Hindu institutions, but now its leaders are attempting to cloak themselves in religiosity for electoral advantage,” Mr. Srinivasa Rao said while addressing a press conference at the TDP office here.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao criticised the YSRCP leaders for carrying the images of Lord Venkateswara into Legislative Council and raising slogans.
Referring to the alleged theft in the TTD Parakamani during the YSRCP term, he questioned why stringent action had not been taken against the accused. He also alleged irregularities in the handling of temple resources, including the sale of VIP and seva tickets, and claimed that instances of black-market operations had surfaced.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao also accused the previous regime of contemplating diverting TTD funds for purposes beyond the temple’s core religious mandate.
Citing data indicating over 300 attacks on temples across the State during the YSRCP government’s tenure, including the one at the Sri Rama temple at Ramateertham, he alleged that it failed to respond in time and bring the accused to book.
The TDP leader further alleged that long-standing temple traditions, be it offering ‘silk vastrams’ to the temple during Brahmotsavms or signing the declaration, had been treated with indifference by the YSRCP leadership. Mr. Srinivasa Rao demanded that Mr, Jagan Mohan Reddy tender an unconditional apology to the Hindus.
Visakhapatnam South MLA Ch. Vamsikrishna and Visakhapatnam TDP president Ch. Venkata Pattabhiram were present.
Published – February 22, 2026 06:47 pm IST
