source:  The Hindu, July 5, 2007

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/05/stories/2007070555800300.htm

We will launch state-wide agitation, says temple protection committee

Promise on aid not kept, says leader

Ensure regular puja at temples, he says

Kakinada: The State Government’s move to sell temple lands would be opposed tooth and nail, Machavolu Kamala Kumar, State general secretary of the Hindu Devalayala Parirakshana Samiti, at a press conference here on Wednesday.

He said the Samiti would take up a State-wide movement to save the temples and also to free them from the control of the Endowment Department.

Criticising the Government for going back on its assurance to extend financial assistance at the rate of Rs. 2,500 a month to those temples lacking patronage, he said as against 2000 temples identified only 500 were chosen for the assistance till now.

He wanted the Government to act immediately and ensure that regular puja and other rituals are performed daily at all those temples, giving due respect to sentiments of the devotees.

Alleging that the village deity Sunkesula temple was dismantled for granite mining in Ananthapur district, he wanted the Government to initiate action against Janardhana Reddy, promoter of Brahmani steels, for destroying the temple.

Ch Gavaraiah, district president of Hindu Dharma Jagarana Samithi, Y. Malakondaiah, BJP Yuva Morcha, State vice-president and Bhanu Sai Vara Prasad Siva, president of the temple committee, attended.