Chief Whip D Vinay Bhaskar has expressed concern over the lack of attention given by the BJP-led Central government towards preserving the rich heritage of the Kakatiya dynasty. Speaking to the media at Thousand Pillars Temple in Hanumakonda on Sunday, he criticized the BJP for using temples for political mileage while neglecting their development.
Vinay highlighted the slow progress in the restoration of Kalyana Mandapam, which comprises 132 pillars, due to lack of funds from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a Central government agency that works under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The Centre approved the restoration in 2005, with work commencing in 2006 and a target completion date of 2009. However, due to delays, the work estimate increased to Rs 7.50 crore, and the architect abandoned works midway due to payment delays. According to a recent estimate, the ASI requires another Rs 6 crore to complete the works.
Vinay also criticized Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy for failing to complete the works despite his visit to the temple in August 2022 and his assurance that they would be completed by year-end. He lamented the lack of progress despite the State government’s development of the area in front of the temple entrance with Rs 20 crore and provision of amenities for visitors.
Thousand Pillars Temple chief priest Gangu Upendra Sharma, Kakatiya Urban Development Authority chairman S Sunder Raj Yadav, Corporator Vemula Srinivas, and KUDA project officer E Ajith Reddy were present at the event.
