Deputy Speaker R. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju at Ram Mandir in Pedda Peta in West Godavari district. | Photo credit: File Photo
Former Amalapuram Member of Parliament GV Harsha Kumar on Monday advocated the construction of a temple dedicated to both Lord Rama and a local deity at the same site in a bid to end the conflict between Dalits and other community members at Pedda Peta in Akiveedu mandal of West Godavari district.
Mr. Harsha Kumar, who was reportedly placed under house arrest in Rajamahendravaram town while he proceeded to Bhimavaram to assess the situation in Pedda Peta, through a video message; “Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivas Varma and Deputy Chairman R. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju announced plans to renovate the Ram Mandir. Instead, the duo should form a committee to hear the concerns of the local residents about the disputed place of worship. They have to convince the locals about the proposed approval before getting them renovated.”
It may be recalled that three people were injured during a clash on March 27 that broke out during the Srirama Navami celebrations at Pedda Peta Ram Mandir. In the encounter, Vice President R. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju reportedly escaped an attack by anti-temple renovation protesters. The police immediately registered cases against 58 people in connection with the clash.
Commenting on the cases registered against the alleged accused in the clash, Mr. Harsha Kumar alleged that the YSR Congress party had distanced itself from the Pedda Peta Dalits at a time when they most needed their support to help them fight for their rights.
Published – 30 March 2026 22:43 IST
