Tirupati, July 17, 2013: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken serious exception to the reported proselytisation attempt on the sacred Tirumala hills.

“Though the law explicitly prohibits preaching and practice of religions other than Hinduism on Tirumala hills, there are several instances of violation and the rules are followed more in breach,” alleged BJP State spokesperson G. Bhanuprakash Reddy at a media conference here on Tuesday.

He was critical of the TTD top-brass for not realising the gravity of the situation, seeing the presence of ‘invisible hands’ behind the incidents.

Recalling that the ordinance issued by the Government in May 2007 prohibited propagation of other religions in several places of worship in the State, including Tirumala, he wondered how the TTD authorities could sit relaxed by seeking to downplay the incident.

To the explanation given by the accused that the copy of the Bible was ‘found’ on the street, Mr. Reddy heckled at the officials for buying the version.

“In spite of the tight security at Alipiri and elsewhere, how could a copy of the prohibited religious literature reach the hills?”, he asked.

The party also expressed pain at the intrusion of people of alien faiths into the TTD service and said they violated their self-declaration and oath given at the time of appointment that they had faith in Lord Venkateswara.

Action sought

“We came to know that some employees owing allegiance to other faiths are not even taking part in Puja and accepting the Lord’s ‘Prasadam’. The TTD should terminate the services of such employees”, he demanded.

If the TTD and the State Government failed in their respective duties, the BJP would plunge into action and launch a massive agitation with like-minded people to protect the sanctity of Tirumala, he warned.

BJP city president K.Ajay Kumar, secretary Vara Prasad, senior leader M.R.Raja, Dalit Morcha leader Gunasekhar and Mazdoor Sangh leader Ponaganti Bhaskar took part.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 17, 2013.