Hanuman Idol Vandalised in Hyderabad, BJP Targets State Govt

Fresh political tensions surfaced in Telangana on Tuesday after an idol at the Dwimukhi Hanuman temple was allegedly vandalised, triggering strong reactions from opposition leaders and intensifying the ongoing debate over temple safety and law-and-order in the state.

According to police, the sindoor applied to the Hanuman idol was found removed. A case has been registered, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible. Authorities said an investigation is in progress to determine whether the incident was an act of mischief or part of a larger pattern.

State BJP president N. Ramchander Rao condemned the incident and demanded strict action against the culprits. He alleged that repeated instances of idol desecration and temple vandalism in Telangana are not isolated and claimed they indicate a broader conspiracy against Sanatan Dharma . He further warned that such incidents and alleged targeting of Hindu festivals could pose a threat to public order.

The incident comes amid heightened political rhetoric over religious institutions in the state. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar recently alleged that attacks on Hindu temples have increased since the Congress government assumed office in December 2023. Speaking after offering prayers at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple near Charminar, he accused the ruling establishment of failing to protect religious sites and questioned the state’s response to communal tensions.

Sanjay also referred to recent disturbances in the Banswada area, demanded a comprehensive probe, and urged stronger enforcement measures. He positioned the BJP as a protector of religious values and called on leaders from other parties to join efforts to safeguard temples and cultural traditions.

The Bhagyalakshmi Temple, located beside the historic Charminar in Hyderabad’s Old City, has long been a sensitive religious and heritage site, making political statements linked to it particularly significant. Sanjay further stated that if the BJP comes to power, the temple would be developed on the lines of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The ruling Congress has not officially responded to the latest vandalism incident, though party leaders have previously rejected allegations of negligence and accused the opposition of politicising isolated law-and-order issues.

With municipal elections approaching and political competition intensifying, incidents involving religious sites are increasingly shaping public discourse in Telangana. The latest temple vandalism case is likely to deepen the debate over religious harmony, governance, and security in the state.