Temple demolition triggers unrest in Godavarikhani town

Tension gripped Godavarikhani after municipal officials demolished 46 Maisamma temples within Ramagundam Corporation limits. Residents criticised the move for being carried out without consultation, while political leaders and Hindu organisations accused officials of selective action. The issue continues to spark outrage.

Peddapalli: The high-handed approach of municipal officials in demolishing Maisamma temples within the Ramagundam Municipal Corporation limits has reportedly triggered unrest in the Godavarikhani coal belt town.

Many residents felt that the demolition of shrines without consulting locals was the main reason people took to the streets to oppose the move. Locals pointed out that people had never objected earlier when temples were shifted to facilitate road widening in the town. However, the demolition of 46 temples at one go sparked widespread anger.

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Further, the timing of the demolition also drew criticism. The drive was carried out in the early hours of November 6, between 2 am and 5 am, which locals said aggravated public outrage.

Though the shrines were said to be obstructing vehicular movement, residents opined that municipal officials should have held meetings with nearby communities to convince them before taking up the demolition.

Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar alleged that only Maisamma temples were demolished while masjids were spared. However, there appears to be no evidence to support his claim. Apart from a tree tied with Muslim religious flags at Kakatiyanagar near Srinivasa Theatre, no masjid structure is located on the roads in Godavarikhani.

Local residents said Hindu organisations were using the Minister’s claim to target municipal officials, accusing them of demolishing only Hindu temples while sparing masjids.

It is learnt that Congress leaders had been mounting pressure on municipal officials for the removal of the temples for the past six months. Unable to withstand the pressure, officials reportedly proceeded with the demolition.