Nagender denies encroaching temple land

Labour Minister Danam Nagender on Friday denied media reports that he was trying to encroach upon the land belonging to Swayambhu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Banjara Hills.

Condemning the registration of cases against him by the Banjara Hills Police Station, he offered to resign from his post if allegations against him were proved with evidence. Talking to reporters in front of the Temple, he reiterated that the ISKCON-run temple and an adjoining 5-acre piece of land, leased to the Hare Krishna movement, were being used for anti-social activities. He said that he interfered in the issue on the request of residents of NBT Colony as they were being harassed by the activists of Hare Krishna movement.

The minister slammed a section of media for portraying him as an anti-social element. He said that he interfered in the issue in the interest of general public and would continue to do so, whenever required. Stating that booking of cases was not new for him, he appealed to the Endowments Department to verify the activities of ISKON. He said that the police authorities should have heard his version too before registering the cases.

Nagender also expressed shock over the silence of Home Minister P Sabitha Indira Reddy over the issue. He said that the Home Minister was either ignorant about of the issue or have decided to remain silent on the "over-action" by the police.