‘Land belongs to Sharada Peetham’

1. Land Protected
2. Miscommunication triggered Sharada Peetham row
3. Temple stays; land remains with Peetham
4. Revanth Reddy unhappy over lack of info
5. Sridhar Babu accuses BJP, BRS of politicising the issue
6. Govt assures equality, no bulldozer culture.

Telangana IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu on Sunday clarified that the controversy surrounding the land belonging to Sri Sharada Peetham at Kokapet arose due to lack of clarity and incomplete information at the official level. He categorically stated that the land belongs to the Peetham and there is no ambiguity about its ownership. The State Government, he said, will fully support the Peetham’s development and spiritual activities.

The Minister explained that during the previous government’s tenure, two acres of land were allotted to Sri Sharada Peetham. The Peetham subsequently constructed a temple on the site, where devotees have been regularly offering prayers. Recently, officials decided to utilize the land for government requirements, particularly for the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB). Steps were initiated to allocate the land to the Water Board and remove the existing temple structures. Once this development came to light, the situation turned tense.

Former minister Harish Rao visited the Peetham and requested Sridhar Babu to ensure that the temple structures were not demolished. Responding immediately, Sridhar Babu intervened, following which the government halted the demolition process. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy subsequently issued clear directions that the land should continue to remain with Sri Sharada Peetham.

The Chief Minister reportedly expressed displeasure over the failure to inform the government about the existing constructions on the land while initiating the process of allocation to HMWSSB. Representatives of the Peetham were advised to meet Sridhar Babu and provide details regarding the structures and other related aspects.

As part of the follow-up, Sridhar Babu personally visited Sri Sharada Peetham at Kokapet on Sunday. He inspected the Raja Shyamala Ammavari temple and other constructions on the premises. The Minister later held a special meeting with Uttar Peethadhipathi Swatmanandendra Saraswati Swamiji to discuss the matter in detail.

Addressing the media, Sridhar Babu said the State Government respects all religions equally and has no hesitation in correcting mistakes if they occur. He stated that once the facts were brought to the government’s notice, the error was rectified immediately. He assured that measures would be put in place to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.

The Minister alleged that certain BJP and BRS leaders were attempting to politicize the issue by using religion as a shield and indulging in misinformation campaigns for political gain. He said the government does not follow a “bulldozer culture” and is committed to protecting government lands from encroachers. He accused some opposition leaders of deliberately spreading false propaganda because they could not tolerate the government’s actions against illegal occupations.

On the issue of Bapu Ghat development, Sridhar Babu said the government would move forward strictly in accordance with public opinion. He appealed to local residents not to be misled by baseless allegations and false propaganda surrounding the issue.