Sridhar Babu says lack of clarity caused Sharada Peetham land issue

Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu said confusion over Sharada Peetham land arose due to lack of clarity after the government withdrew an allotment order to HMWSSB. He assured support to the institution and denied any ownership dispute

Hyderabad: A day after withdrawing the controversial land allotment order to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), the Congress government on Sunday said lack of clarity had led to confusion over the lands belonging to Sharada Peetham.

Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu visited Sri Sharada Peetham at Kokapet and said, “Confusion surrounding land belonging to the institution arose due to lack of clarity in information,” while maintaining that there was no dispute over its ownership. During the visit, the Minister inspected the Raja Shyamala temple and other ongoing construction works, and later held discussions with Uttara Peethadhipathi Swatmanandendra Saraswati Swamiji.

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Speaking to media persons, Sridhar Babu said the land belonged to the Peetham and that the issue was addressed after the facts were brought to the government’s notice. “There was no intention to create any difficulty. Once the matter came to our attention, necessary corrections were made,” he said.

Emphasising that the State government respects all religions equally, the Minister assured support to the Peetham’s developmental and spiritual activities, and added, “All measures will be taken to avoid similar misunderstandings in future.”

The Minister alleged that certain leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi were attempting to politicise the issue, and asserted that the government remained focused on protecting public lands from encroachment. He dismissed the charges that it was pursuing a ‘bulldozer culture’ in the State.

Regarding the proposed development at Bapu Ghat, Sridhar Babu said decisions would be taken in accordance with public opinion and urged people not to be misled by misinformation.