Puja on Lokesh birthday by TDP leaders triggers row between priests, temple official at Kondagattu

Priests of the Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy temple staged a dharna against Executive Officer Srikanth Rao, alleging abusive conduct and administrative issues. The protest followed a dispute over entry of political leaders and was later withdrawn after MLA intervention

Jagtial: Priests of the Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy temple on Friday staged a protest in front of the shrine against the alleged attitude of temple Executive Officer Srikanth Rao.

The priests sat in dharna before the temple, raised slogans against the EO and demanded justice.

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The rift between the priests and the EO reportedly began after a group of political leaders entered the temple on the occasion of Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh’s birthday and performed pujas at the shrine.

On learning about the incident, EO Srikanth Rao reportedly expressed anger at the priests for allowing a group of leaders to enter the temple at one go, allegedly in violation of temple norms. Enraged over the EO’s reaction, the priests staged a protest demonstration.

The priests alleged that the EO had been abusing priests and temple staff using filthy language. They said coordination between the priests and temple staff had been disturbed due to the EO’s attitude. Demanding immediate action against the EO, the priests also called for reforms in temple administration.

Later, local MLA Medipally Satyam spoke to the priests over the phone and convinced them to withdraw their protest.