BRS govt legally allotted land to peetham, says Harish

Hyderabad: Senior BRS leader T Harish Rao slammed the Congress govt for allegedly attempting to take over land allotted to Visakha Sri Sarada Peetham and demolish the Rajashyamala temple at Kokapet Neopolis. Harish Rao visited the temple after police and revenue officials reportedly inspected the premises late at night and asked the authorities to vacate the land. After the visit, he addressed the media and accused the govt of creating unnecessary fear among devotees.He stated that in 2019, the then BRS govt legally allotted two acres of land in survey no 240 at Kokapet to Visakha Sharada Peetham with cabinet approval. The peetham paid Rs 1.05 crore for registration and Rs 23 lakh to HMDA for necessary permissions and an electricity connection.A temple dedicated to Goddess Rajashyamala, along with a goshala, an annadanam hall, and a veda pathashala, was constructed on the site. The consecration ceremony was conducted in the presence of high court judges and officials. Since then, prayers have been held regularly. Harish questioned why the govt was targeting this temple land in the name of constructing waterwork facilities. He said that 17 acres of govt land are available in nearby survey nos. 239 and 240, which could be used for such projects.He alleged that 17 acres of land in the same area were allotted to Bhagyalakshmi Mines and Minerals. He claimed that instead of auctioning the land and generating revenue for the govt, it was allotted through nomination. He further alleged that crusher units and ready-mix plants were permitted in violation of norms.The former minister said that police stopped temple rituals in the morning and allowed prayers only after protests by the priests. He termed the incident an attack on religious sentiments. Harish demanded that the govt immediately withdraw any move to demolish the temple and cancel the alleged illegal crusher permissions.