Telangana Government Does Not Believe in Politics in the Name of Religion: Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy

Telangana Revenue, Housing and Information & Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy on Sunday said that the state government does not believe in pursuing politics in the name of religion and is committed to safeguarding the culture, traditions and self-respect of all faiths.

The minister was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the reconstruction and development works of the historic Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple (Ganapeswaralayam) at Kusumanchi in Khammam district. The project is being taken up at an estimated cost of ₹3.30 crore . He also offered special prayers at the temple along with Khammam MP Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy , District Collector Divakar T.S. and other officials.

Emphasising the government's commitment to religious harmony, Ponguleti said the administration accords equal importance to all religions and is extending support not only to temples but also to churches and mosques. He alleged that the previous government had announced an allocation of ₹100 crore for the development of the Bhadrachalam temple but failed to release any funds.

In contrast, he said the government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had sanctioned ₹350 crore for the comprehensive development of the famed shrine. Of this, around ₹68 crore has already been spent on land acquisition in the temple surroundings as part of the expansion plan.

The minister stated that the government is determined to complete major development works in Bhadrachalam on a war footing ahead of the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu . He added that similar attention is being given to prominent pilgrimage centres such as Basara and Vemulawada .

Ponguleti said every initiative undertaken by the government is guided by public interest and implemented with sincerity. As part of a broader vision for religious tourism and infrastructure development, the state has prepared a ₹1,000-crore master plan covering sacred centres located along the Godavari river belt from Basara to Bhadrachalam. The development of Ganapeswaralayam forms part of this larger initiative, he noted.

Later, the minister visited Kondapuram village in Khammam Rural mandal and laid the foundation stone for a new BT road project connecting Ponnekallu and Kondapuram at a cost of ₹5.20 crore .

Officials said the long-pending road project would significantly improve transportation facilities for local residents, enhance connectivity and reduce travel time. Local public representatives, government officials and a large number of devotees and residents participated in the programmes.