Shashidhar wants probe into Talasani's 'gutkha habit'

HYDERABAD: Senior BJP leader Marri Shashidhar Reddy on Friday demanded an investigation into minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav’s habits to find out if the BRS leader was consuming banned gutka. Shashidhar Reddy alleged that the minister was seen spitting inside the Renuka Yellamma temple premises after the main Kalyanam programme a few days ago, an act that was captured on video.

“This act by Talasani showed utmost disrespect to the deity and this has left people furious,” Shashidhar Reddy said.

He also advised the minster to stop consuming and chewing tobacco products at least a day prior to visiting any temple, especially in the light of Golconda Bonalu on June 25 and the Secunderabad Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu on July 9, so he does not repeat his spitting inside the temples.

In a statement, Shashidhar Reddy also took objection to Talasani reaching the temple on the heavily crowded day in a convoy of 10 cars along with a large entourage of family and followers, with no concern for the common people where were greatly inconvenienced by this act.

The local SR Nagar police acted in a partisan manner in the minister’s support. Because of this, his followers felt free to turn unruly. “It is not surprising that there were stabbings during the festivities. The police must take serious note of these incidents and enforce strict measures to ensure that the Bonalu at different places in Hyderabad pass without incident,” he said.

Shashidhar Reddy also said that attempts were being made after the thwarted attempt last year to install a new idol at the Ujjaini Mahankali temple Srinivas Yadav.  “Any attempt to do so will damage the existing consecrated idol and could become a bad omen,” Shashidhar Reddy warned.