‘Don’t use Tirupati funds for other religions’

PONDA: “Do not use funds of Tirupati temple for people of other religions,” said Ramanjaneyulu, state secretary of Hindu Dharma Raksha Samanvaya Samithi, Andhra Pradesh.
Ramanjaneyulu was speaking at the national Hindu convention at Ramnathi, Ponda on Monday. “The government has taken over only Hindu temples. Even the funds offered in Hindu temples are being used for the people of other religions,” said Ramanjaneyulu.
“Donations to the extent of 3,000 crore are collected in Tirupati temple every year. Of this amount, 13.5%, that is, 400 crore is credited to the Common Civil Fund of the Government to spend for other purposes, including on people of other religions. Of this amount, financial assistance is given even for Haj pilgrimage,” he said.
“Although 10% (300 crore), has been earmarked for the propagation of Hindu Dharma, only 3 crore is spent on Hindu Dharma,” he said. “We will have to start fighting against such activities,” said Ramanjaneyulu, Ramanjaneyulu also demanded that Tirupati temple area be declared a Hindu region. tnn