Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha has accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of hatching conspiracies to incite religious tensions in the State.
“The YSRCP is resorting to deceptive strategies to disturb public peace. The sole aim is to incite religious clashes. The party is running malicious campaigns against the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to smear its reputation and tarnish the image of the government,” the Home Minister told the media after the State Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
Referring to the death of Hyderabad-based Pastor Praveen Pagadala in Rajamahendravaram recently, Ms. Anitha alleged that the YSRCP tried to use the incident to provoke religious tensions.
“Though the Pastor died in an accident, the YSRCP launched a misinformation campaign, portraying it as a murder,” the Home Minister said.
Ms. Anitha criticised TTD former Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, saying that it is unfortunate that the person who once held such a post was now dragging the institution into politics.
“TTD EO J. Syamala Rao has clarified the facts about the TTD and its Goshalas. Tirumala is a sacred place. The YSRCP leaders are using the TTD as a focal point to carry out their malicious campaigns. Efforts to malign the TTD and tarnish the image of the government will not be tolerated,” she said.
Tirupati laddu row
Referring to the Tirupati laddu controversy, Ms. Anitha said the SIT investigation would be completed soon, and those responsible would be punished. “Those who did wrong cannot escape. Punishment is inevitable,” she said.
The Home Minister recalled that false propaganda was spread earlier regarding the pink diamond. Even though the Archaeology Department said otherwise, false narratives were still doing the rounds, she said.
Published – April 16, 2025 05:10 am IST