YSRCP want immediate reconstruction of demolished shops near Yernimamba Temple

Visakhapatnam: YSRCP leaders demanded immediate reconstruction of the shops and sheds demolished near Sri Yernimamba Ammavari Temple in Gnanapuram. Protesting against the alleged high-handed approach of the officials, YSRCP leaders and activists staged a demonstration on Sunday.

Former MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar expressed strong resentment over the demolition of the structures without any prior information to the local communities. Along with the YSRCP activists, he staged a sit-in protest on the road near the demolished sheds at the temple premises, braving the rain.

Speaking on the occasion, Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar recalled that the Sri Yernimamba Ammavari idol was consecrated by fishermen and local residents. He said the Goddess was installed with the belief that she would protect people from prolonged illnesses. It was unjust to obstruct the development of a temple associated with such strong faith and sentiment of people, he pointed out, alleging that the government is following anti-people administration.

He said sheds were constructed with the financial assistance of a donor to provide shelter to devotees who come to offer their hair and fulfil their vows by presenting bangles and other offerings to the Goddess. Vasupalli said it was improper on the part of GVMC Town Planning officials to demolish the sheds along with drinking water pipelines without any prior notice.

He alleged that the local Jana Sena Party MLA could have stopped the demolition with a single phone call, but no such intervention was made. Questioning the officials’ priorities, the former MLA asked why action was being taken against sheds constructed for the convenience of devotees at the temple when several alleged illegal activities and constructions in the city were being left untouched.

He said thousands of devotees from across North Andhra visit the temple every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday to offer prayers to Ammavaru. The government and officials should focus on providing basic amenities to the devotees and take steps for the overall development of the temple rather than demolishing the sheds all of a sudden, he demanded.

YSRCP leaders and party workers from the south constituency participated in the protest.

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The Hans India