Shankar Rao defends Jagan's temple entry

Former minister Dr P Shankar Rao on Saturday defended YSR Congress president and Kadapa MP Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on his recent visit to Tirumala.

Talking to media persons at the Congress Legislature Party office, Shankar Rao appealed to all leaders not to politicize the issue of not signing the declaration of religious faith meant for non-Hindu devotees by Jagan Mohan Reddy. Raising serious objection over the criticism of political parties on Jagan Mohan Reddy declining to sign the declaration of religious faith, Dr Shankar Rao said that the politicization of temples would bring disrepute to Hindu traditions and customs.

The former minister said that the Constitution of India has given freedom to persons to visit any temple and have the darshan of God or Goddesses in the respective temples. However, no one should violate the established traditions and customs of respective temples, he pointed out.

Stating that the politicization of this issue would send wrong message among people, particularly at the time of by-elections campaign, he said that the Congress party would suffer huge damage if the leaders did not stop seeking apology and target Jagan on this issue.

Dr Shankar Rao reiterated that he would continue his fight against corruption. However, he stated that he would not act against the government or the party.