Vemulawada, Telangana – A group of local leaders and residents has called for a complete shutdown in Vemulawada on Wednesday. They are protesting the Telangana State Government’s decision to close the famous Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple starting June 15 for redevelopment work.
The protest is being led by the Rajanna Temple Protection Committee, a newly formed group that includes members from various political parties such as the BJP, Congress, and BRS. Prathapa Ramakrishna, a former BJP district president, is heading the committee.
The group strongly opposes the government’s plan to shut the temple for two years. They believe that such a long closure will affect religious practices and hurt the town’s economy, which relies heavily on temple tourism.
According to Ramakrishna, the government plans to remove the Parivar deities’ idols as part of the renovation. He criticized this move, calling it disrespectful to traditions and unnecessary in the name of modernization.
He also pointed out a double standard. Devotees have repeatedly asked the government to remove a dargah located near the temple, but officials have taken no action there.
The committee has urged all local business owners to voluntarily close their shops on Wednesday in support of the protest. They are asking the public to join them in demanding a better approach to temple development – one that respects faith and preserves religious customs without a full closure.
This bandh highlights growing tension between the government’s development plans and the concerns of local communities who fear losing access to their sacred sites.
