Thu Mar 27 09:54:15 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh CM Accuses NDA Government of Attacking Hindu Temples**
VIJAYAWADA, March 27, 2025 – Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, president of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), has accused the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government of attacking Hindu temples and Dharma since taking power in June 2024. Reddy, who served as Chief Minister prior to the NDA’s ascension, cited the demolition of the Kasinayana Kshetram in Badvel as evidence.
Reddy claims that during his tenure, his government protected the Kasinayana Kshetram, even securing an exemption from the Forest Department for the land it occupies. He highlighted a letter he wrote in August 2023 to the then Union Minister of Environment and Forests, securing the shrine’s protection. He contrasted this with the recent demolition, which he alleges occurred under the supervision of the current state government, implicating Deputy CM K. Pawan Kalyan and the Special Chief Secretary (Environment and Forests).
Reddy further criticized the NDA government’s handling of other incidents involving Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh, including the Tirumala Laddu controversy and a stampede in Tirupati. He accused the NDA of using various tactics to attack temples, spreading misinformation while simultaneously claiming to be protectors of Dharma. He specifically targeted Pawan Kalyan, the current Minister for Environment and Forests, for his silence on the Kasinayana Kshetram demolition. Reddy stated that Kalyan’s silence disqualifies him from speaking about the protection of Hindu Dharma and temples.
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