Godavarikhani temple row: Reconstruction starts after backlash and political pressure

Under pressure from public representatives and Hindu groups, the Ramagundam Municipal Corporation has started reconstructing Maisamma temples demolished during a recent drive to clear road encroachments. The move comes after protests and sharp criticism from political leaders and organisations.

Peddapalli: Facing mounting pressure from public representatives, Hindu organisations and other sections, the Municipal Corporation of Ramagundam authorities have begun rebuilding the demolished Daari Maisamma temples within the corporation limits. The reconstruction work commenced on Saturday night.

The officials had recently removed 46 Maisamma temples that were located on roads at different places in Godavarikhani town.

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Enraged over the demolition, various Hindu organisations under the aegis of Hindu Ikya Vedika staged protests demanding action against the officials responsible for removing the temples.

Reacting strongly to the issue, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Saturday criticised officials for demolishing Hindu shrines without removing structures belonging to other religions. He issued an ultimatum to the officials to rebuild the demolished shrines within 48 hours, warning that if they didn’t do so, he would visit Godavarikhani after the Jubilee Hills byelection and demolish all masjids located on the road.

Peddapalli MP G Vakshikrishna also reacted to the issue and criticised municipal officials for hurting the sentiments of the Hindu community by removing the shrines. He said he would take the matter to the notice of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu.

Following the pressure from various sections, municipal officials have begun rebuilding the demolished temples.