Official rebuffs BJP allegation that Muslims were conducting commercial activity on temple premises

“The Endowments Department is only following the law in letter and spirit and is in no way compromising the rights of the Hindus,” Bhramarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam executive officer Karanam S. Rama Rao told The Hindu.

Bhramarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam executive officer (EO) Karanam S. Rama Rao rebuffed allegations levelled by BJP State president Somu Veerraju on the Endowments Department and officials managing the temple affairs that two people from the Muslim community were conducting commercial activity on temple premises. Mr. Rao said the matter was in the Supreme Court. “According to section 13 of the A.P. Endowments Act, only those from the Hindu religion can conduct activities on the temple premises. Two people — Razak and Rafi — who had lease agreements for shops on the premises were served notices to end the lease. They approached the A.P. High Court seeking continuation. The court rejected their plea early last year,” the E.O. said. “Following the HC order, we served notices on them and sought back possession to the temple management. But they approached the Supreme Court. It has been adjourned after one hearing. The Endowments Department is only following the law in letter and spirit and is in no way compromising the rights of the Hindus,” Mr. Rao told The Hindu.