Gadwal: The tension over the suspension of priests from the Jogulamba Temple by the Endowments Department is intensifying. Executive Officer (EO) Purendar has been trying to deliver suspension notices to the priests for two days, but they refuse to accept them.
The priests accuse the EO of instructing them to attend private events and question why they should face consequences for his directives. They challenged the EO, saying they will seek a court’s stay order on Monday. In frustration, officials placed the suspension notices on the walls of the priests’ homes.
The State Endowments Department Archaka Employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) offered support to the priests, but they declined, stating they have the backing of MLC Challa Venkata Ramireddy. With the MLC’s support, the priests remain defiant, disregarding the department’s orders. Officials warned that ignoring the suspension could result in harsher penalties.
The conflict arose after the department suspended priests for attending private events without approval. The priests argue they followed the EO’s verbal instructions, making the suspension unjust. MLC Challa Venkata Ramireddy‘s involvement has strengthened their resistance.
The department’s decision to post notices on house walls shows the escalating conflict. If the priests continue to reject the suspension, more severe actions could follow. This dispute at the Jogulamba Temple is likely to unfold both legally and politically, as the priests plan to seek legal intervention soon.
