The Rajampet

KADAPA: A youth, Pratap Reddy, climbed the gali gopuram of the ancient Sri Agasteswara Swamy temple in Proddatur town on Tuesday and threatened to end his life by jumping from it if Endowment officials do not reopen the temple which had been closed for the last three months.

Situation tense

Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party MLA of Proddatur M. Linga Reddy and his followers continued their protest near the temple in Proddatur town for the second day on the demand, resulting in a tense atmosphere in the town.

Divergent views

While Mr. Linga Reddy had been demanding reopening of the closed temple and renovation of the dilapidated temple, former legislator N. Varadarajulu Reddy and Congress leaders were firm on demolition of the temple and construction of a new temple on the existing site after performing prana pratishta of the presiding deity, with Rs. 69 lakh sanctioned by the Rosaiah government.

BJP stand

Bharatiya Janata Party State official spokesman Bhanuprakash Reddy visited the temple and held parleys with the Telugu Desam MLA. Questioning whether officials took the advice of experts before closing down the temple three months ago, he deplored the heavy police bandobust posted at the temple.

While temples were being preserved in nations like Cambodia, the government is neglecting them in the State.

He held the government responsible for the collapse of the rajagopuram of Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy temple, despite reports of its dilapidation.

Mr. Bhanuprakash Reddy demanded reopening of the temple and performing of daily pujas in the auspicious Sravana month.

Following heated arguments between Mr. Linga Reddy and police personnel, Proddatur DSP Vannur Saheb, Circle Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors are holding discussions with the legislator in a bid to pacify him by assuring to arrange deliberations with Endowments officials.

TDP leaders M. Lakshmi Prasanna, Rachamallu Prasada Reddy and BJP district president O. Srinivasulu Reddy participated.

Rasta roko staged

Meanwhile, TDP and BJP functionaries staged a rasta roko resulting in a huge 

traffic jam.

In a bid to pacify Mr. Linga Reddy, the State government is said to have appointed a committee to look into the issue of renovation or reconstruction of Sri Agasteswara Swamy temple, according to information.

Source: The Hindu