Shift Collector, civic chief: Seer

Visakhapatnam: Irked over the vindictive attitude of Krishna district Collector and Municipal Commissioner in demolishing the Hindu temples in Vijayawada using heavy machinery in the guise of road widening, Visakha Sarada Peethadhipathi Swaroopanandendra Saraswathi Maha Swamy demanded the government to shift these two officials well before Krishna Purshkarms.

The seer, who is presently at Rushikesh for performing Chaturmaasa Deeksha, released a note here on Wednesday hailing the Chief Minister’s assurance to the public that all demolished temples will be reconstructed without hurting the sentiments of Hindus.

The seer found fault with the officials who demolished the temples overnight as it was not good for the welfare of the State and also for the ensuing Krishna Pushkarams.

Swaroopanandendra Swamy irked over the Collector’s attitude, who reportedly asked to demolish the Hindu temple near the Gosala hurting the sentiments of Hindus.

The seer asked the government to release a statement on how it was planning to reconstruct the temples and procure idols. “I advise the Endowments Minister P Manikyala Rao to discuss with Peethadhipathis and Aagama Sastry Pandits whenever the government decides to demolish a temple.