11 November, 2024; Hyderabad, Telangana — Recent incidents involving attacks on temples in Telangana have sparked sharp criticism from BJP MP K Laxman, who claims that the state government under Congress leader Revanth Reddy has not taken adequate measures to protect Hindu places of worship. He expressed his concerns, alleging that the current administration is failing to ensure public safety, particularly for Hindus, and that temples are facing increased threats since the Congress came to power in the state.
In a statement, Laxman claimed, “The public is unsafe in Telangana. The temples are being demolished wherever there is a Congress government. The statues of gods and goddesses are being destroyed. Even when arrests are made in such cases, there are conspiracies across the state to declare the accused as mentally unfit, potentially enabling them to avoid prosecution.” He further accused the Congress-led government of using inaction as a strategy to maintain its votebank, suggesting that the administration may be hesitant to act decisively for fear of alienating sections of its electoral base.
The BJP MP’s comments add to the ongoing political tensions in Telangana, where issues surrounding the safety of religious sites have increasingly come under scrutiny. In response, BJP leaders and members of the Hindu community have called for more stringent protection measures for temples, citing a need to preserve and safeguard these cultural and religious landmarks.
The accusations from Laxman also point to broader ideological clashes between the BJP and Congress in Telangana, particularly around matters of law enforcement and religious freedom. The state’s Congress leaders have yet to issue an official statement addressing Laxman’s allegations, though supporters argue that the current administration is committed to maintaining harmony across all communities in Telangana.
As the debate unfolds, it underscores the complex intersections of politics, religion, and governance in Telangana, especially as political parties gear up for the next round of elections.
