In GO Ms No 139, published on May 2 of this year, YSRCP senior leader and former MLA Malladi Vishnu strongly denounced the TDP-led coalition government’s decision to distribute temple lands without holding open, transparent auctions.

He called the order, which modifies the Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Immovable Properties and Other Rights Leases and Licenses Rules, 2003, a “sinister attempt” to steal the temples’ valuable property, according to a statement made public.

He emphasized that 4.67 lakh acres of temple land, a holy trust intended to support religious organizations, are under the management of the Endowments Department. He criticized the TDP administration, which is headed by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, for allowing a few chosen organizations to lease these properties for up to 33 years at minimum prices under the guise of “charitable activities,” avoiding the need for public auctions. He emphasized that this action is in violation of Supreme Court and High Court decisions that demand prior court clearance for any transfers and necessitate auctions for the leasing of temple property.