Endowments minister Vellampalli Srinivas’s meeting with Sri Sharda PeethamSeer Swaroopanandendra Saraswathi assumes political importanceamid protests over Antarvedi chariot burning, thefts and attacks on temples, and TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy’s controversial statement on the declaration at Tirumala.
Subba Reddy earlier said that people from other faiths need not sign a declaration while visiting Lord Venkateswara’s abode. Following protests over his comments, he explained that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy need not sign the form as TTD itself is inviting him for Garuda Seva, but other non-Hindus should sign the form.
As all these developments hurt the sentiments of Hindus, the YSRCP government is trying to seek the help of Hindu religious figures to control the damage. Minister Vellampalli Srinivas is said to have visited the seer and sought his blessings as part these efforts.
The state government is facing severe criticism from people as well as opposition parties over a series of sacrileges in temples like chariot burning, missing of lions and attacks. To douse the fire, the state government hurriedly handed over the investigation into Antarvedi incident to CBI. There is also speculation that Vellampalli Srinivas may be removed from the Cabinet. RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders are reported to have complained to the BJP top brass in Delhi about the goings on in the state. The BJP leadership is said to be serious over the series of incidents. The Chief Minister is learnt to have deputed Srinivas to make use of Sharda PeethamSeer to cool the BJP leaders in New Delhi.
Can the Seer save Vellampalli?
The endowments minister’s meeting comes amid reports of Jagan considering his removal from the post. Srinivas, who has been maintaining close relations with Swaroopanandendra, is said to have sought his help to keep his post. He can continue in the post for another year if he obtains the support of the pontiff.
Continuing attacks
In a latest incident, miscreants destroyed idols in the famous Nagamaiah temple at Veldurthimandal headquarters in Guntur district. This incident has enraged the devotees who protested on the roads against sacrilege. Citizens are infuriated that the attacks on temples have not stopped. It is to be seen what remedial measures the state government will take to pacify the people.
Will the seer respond on Tirumala declaration?
There is also speculation that Swaroopanandendra will make a statement on the need, or otherwise, of the declaration by non-Hindus at Tirumala. TheLeoNews.com has already reported that YSRCP is trying to get the seer to make a statement to the effect that there is no need for such a declaration from those who want to have a darshan of the Lord.
True to The Leo News story, endowments minister met Swaroopanandendra. He was accompanied by Simhachalam temple EO and two trust board members. They are said to have pleaded with him to intervene in the issue of TTD declaration since he is a prominent Hindu religious figure. Let us see whether he will respond, and if he does, what will he say.
