BJP Demands Action for Sale of Sacred Cows

Karimnagar: BJP leaders staged a protest in front of the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple on Monday, demanding government action against temple officials accused of selling sacred cows (Rajanna Kodelu) to slaughterhouses. They said this violated norms and hurt devotees' sentiments.

The BJP, along with Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal members, filed a case at Geesukonda police station against Madasu Rambabu, alleging he received 66 sacred cows from the temple on the recommendation of endowment minister Konda Surekha and later sold 25 to slaughterhouses. Rambabu reportedly runs a goshala under the temple's name.

BJP town president R. Santosh Babu highlighted that the temple traditionally houses sacred cows donated by devotees as part of a unique ritual, "Kode Mokku." Instead of distributing cows to farmers as per norms, officials allegedly handed over the animals to Rambabu in two phases.

Police investigations revealed discrepancies, with only 41 cows found in the goshala. Rambabu claimed some had escaped or died of illness.

The BJP demanded the dismissal of Minister Konda Surekha, suspension of negligent temple officials, and criminal cases against those responsible. A memorandum was submitted during a grievance programme at the district Collectorate.

Prominent BJP leaders, including G. Manoj and R. Raj Kumar, were present at the protest.