Overview
- Konda Surekha, speaking at a Warangal farmers’ event on Tuesday, questioned whether chanting “Jai Shri Ram” brings central funds or schemes to Telangana.
- Critics said her words carry extra weight because she oversees the Endowments portfolio, which manages temples and their lands across the state.
- Telangana BJP leaders demanded her dismissal and an unconditional apology, with Errabelli Pradeep Rao alleging poor temple development and unchecked encroachments in Warangal.
- Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar condemned the remarks and said attacks on Hindutva now draw voter pushback, citing past controversies to argue that faith-based slights face electoral costs.
- Surekha later said her comments were distorted and that she was pressing the Centre and state BJP on funds and temple development, and no formal action against her was reported by Wednesday.