VIJAYAWADA: Police prevented swamis and pontiffs from taking out a padayatra from Vijayawada to Tirupati on Sunday.
Alleging that the ruling TDP government is encouraging anti-Hindu activities and ignoring the sentiments of Hindu devotees in the State, peetadhipathis of various Hindu associations called for ‘padayatra’ from Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam to Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati. They also demanded that the State protect Hindu temples and endowments lands in State.
As a part of the rally, swamis gathered at Prakasam barrage and Vishwa Hindu Parishad office in the city. Police said Section 144 was in force and that is why protesters were denied permission for the walk.