BJP seeks AP DGP’s removal for blaming it for temple attacks

BJP's Andhra Pradesh unit has reacted strongly to Director General of Police Gautam Sawang's statement blaming the BJP leaders for a series of attacks on temples in the state and demanded his removal.

Party's state unit chief Somu Veerraju demanded that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy should respond immediately to remove Gautam Sawang from the DGP's post for making baseless allegations.

Addressing a news conference here on Sunday, the BJP leader said Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy should respond to the remarks made by the police chief.

He said it was unfortunate that instead of taking action against those involved in the attacks on temples, false cases were being booked against the BJP cadres.

Somu Veerraju said the YSR Congress party government should specify what is its objective. He alleged that the government is working to hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindus.

He found fault with the DGP's statement and said no action was taken against the burning of ancient chariot at Antarvedi, desecration at Ramateertha temple and attacks on several other temples but the police chief announced booking of cases against the BJP leaders.

He said the officials enumerating properties of temples should also undertake the exercise in cases of churches in the state. The BJP leader demanded an immediate halt to religious conversions in the state.