AP government respects priests: Deputy CM

Kakinada: Deputy Chief Minister Kottu Satyanarayana on Sunday maintained that the state government led by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy treats priests of all temples in the state with respect.

“Likewise, priests must keep the honour of devotees,” advised Satyanarayana, participating as chief guest at a training camp organised at Tadepalligudem on Sunday for priests of five districts belonging to erstwhile Godavari districts.

The Deputy CM said the government is committed to development of temples for Gods and welfare of priests, who are the link between the God and devotee. He underlined that priests play a key role in protecting Sanatana Dharma.

Satyanarayana blamed the Telugu Desam regime for not releasing funds to 1,501 temples for “Dhupa Deepa Naivedyams”. But the YSRC government has made provision for Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam at 5,000 temples. The amount has also been increased by ₹5,000 for each temple.

The Deputy CM said it is only the YSRC government, which for the first time has released ₹70 crore for development of Kanaka Durga Temple.

Archaka Training Academy director Rajagopala Chakravarti presided over the training camp.