Engravings of leaders on Yadadri pillars defended

Hyderabad: Following strong criticism from Opposition parties over carving of images of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, TRS symbol Car, government symbol, KCR Kit and Haritha Haram and government emblem on the pillars being installed at famous Yadadri temple, the government late on Friday defended it saying that it was an attempt to record the present day social and political conditions for the benefit of future generations.

This is a general practice found in every major temple and there is nothing wrong in it.

In Ahobilam temple, the images of family of Shilpi are engraved on the pillars. It was done keeping in view the future generations. Not just car, images of lotus, cycle and bullock cart, Nehru and Indira Gandhi are also there said YTDA Special Officer Kishan Rao.

"The Shilpi does not think on party lines. No one has given him any instructions. It was his own creation. Moreover, these pillars are in the outer Prakaram. "If need be, we are ready to replace," Rao said.

This issue had created a furore in the state, with Opposition parties took strong objection to it. They said it goes against the democratic principles and the BJP has already announced that it will submit the first memorandum to the newly appointed Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan once she assumes office.

This is an insult to Hindu religion, they said. The Chief Minister has taken up the upgradation of the famous Yadadri temple, including the elevation of the temple and modern amenities at a cost of nearly Rs 500 crore and the work is nearing completion.

The CM is planning to inaugurate the new facilities at the temple by this year end. He recently inspected the temple and reviewed the progress of the works.

He was also serious at the slow pace of works in some segments mainly the construction of guest houses. The private contract agency has taken up the sculpting of the pillars with the engravings of different deities.

The Opposition alleges that the artistes were asked to feature KCR and his government schemes on the pillars in a bid to propagate KCR government's achievements.

Sources said that the Chief Minister took serious note of the issue and asked the Endowment department and Yadadri temple authorities to submit a status report on it in a day or two.

When contacted, State Endowment Minister A Indrakaran Reddy's office and the officials concerned did not respond. It is said that they will respond only after receiving instructions from the Chief Minister's Office.