Fri Jan 03 11:17:07 UTC 2025: ## CPI(M) Condemns Sangh Parivar’s Alleged Attempt to Politicize Temples in Andhra Pradesh

**Vijayawada, January 3, 2025** – The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has sharply criticized the Sangh Parivar, accusing it of attempting to transform temples into centers of political activity. The party specifically targeted the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) “Haindava Shankaravam, Chalo Vijayawada” program, alleging it aims to seize control of temples in Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference, CPI(M) state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao stated that such actions threaten communal harmony and asserted that temples should remain under government control. He described the BJP-led government’s “Chalo Vijayawada” program as anti-people and a thinly veiled attempt to usurp control of temple administration under the pretext of deregulation.

Rao further accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliates of misleading the public through their efforts to dominate temples and sow sectarian divisions. He urged the public to oppose these actions, advocating for temple management based on religious principles, with government oversight limited to secular affairs. He emphasized the necessity of government regulation for the smooth functioning of temples. CPI(M) Central Committee member M.A. Gafur and State Committee member C.H. Babu Rao also participated in the press conference.

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