Former minister Dr. P Shankar Rao, on Saturday, defended YSR Congress president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, on the issue of his recent controversial visit to Tirumala.
Talking to media persons at the Congress Legislature Party office, Shankar Rao appealed to leaders not to "politicize" the issue of not Jagan signing the declaration of religious faith meant for non-Hindu devotees of the Tirumala shrine.
Raising an objection to politicians' criticism of Jaganmohan Reddy declining to sign the declaration, Shankar Rao said 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 receive darshans. However, he agreed that no one ought to violate the established traditions and customs of respective temples.
Stating that the politicization of this issue would send the wrong message to people, particularly when parties are campaigning for by-elections, he said that the Congress would suffer huge damages if the leaders do not stop seeking an apology from Jagan on the matter.
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. (INN)
filed in:Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Tirumala, P Shankar Rao, Temples