Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila’s controversial comments opposing the construction of 5,000 temples in SC/ST colonies across the state have put the YSR Congress Party, led by her brother Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, in a difficult position.
Speaking to the media three days ago, Sharmila criticized Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the TTD trust board for approving the project, saying the decision violated the spirit of the Constitution.
Calling the temple plan an “RSS agenda,” she accused Naidu of “fully embracing BJP’s Hindutva politics” and questioned why temples were being targeted for Dalit colonies.
“Who asked for 5,000 temples in Dalit localities? If TTD has surplus funds, why not spend them on Dalit welfare or hostel infrastructure?” she asked, calling the project a “misuse of funds.”
Analysts note that Sharmila’s strong opposition could hurt her brother Jagan politically, since the idea of constructing Sri Venkateswara temples in Dalit colonies originated during his regime.
The initiative, known as Dalita Govindam, was revived by a former TTD chairman from YSRCP, with plans to use Sri Vani Trust funds and appoint Dalit priests.
Unsurprisingly, the BJP, rather than the TDP, has launched the sharpest counterattack against Sharmila.
Andhra Pradesh BJP president P V N. Madhav accused the Y S Rajasekhar Reddy family of systematically undermining Hindu faith and hurting religious sentiments.
“What is your problem if TTD funds are used for temple construction? Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution allow every religious body to utilize its funds for its own purposes,” Madhav said.
He further alleged that during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure, TTD funds and hundi collections were misused for real estate projects worth â¹100 crore, while procurement of rice, sugar, ghee, and cashew was riddled with corruption.
He also charged that darshan tickets were issued irregularly and temple sanctity was degraded by the appointment of a Christian as TTD chairman and even the alleged use of animal fat in sacred laddus.
Madhav said the YSR family had repeatedly insulted TTD, one of Hinduism’s most revered institutions.
He added that Jagan’s administration is already under investigation and condemned his alleged threats to police and contractors about returning to power.
Mocking Sharmila’s remarks, he dismissed her claims about an RSS agenda as “ignorant,” questioning her knowledge of Hindu traditions.
“Has Sharmila ever visited a temple in her life?” he asked.