Congress now praises Yadadri temple reconstruction

Until the Congress government came into power, the party and its leaders, particularly Revanth Reddy, used to be criticized for reconstructing Yadadri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. Even after assuming the power, Congress leader and Minister Komati Reddy criticized former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) for reconstructing the old temple and said the government will call it by its original name, Yadagiri Gutta, instead of Yadadri.

But a year and a half later, the same congress leaders and the government are singing peons to KCR.

Assembly resonated with appreciation

On March 18, the Telangana State Assembly resonated with appreciation for the remarkable transformation of the Yadadri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, with legislators across party lines hailing former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) for his visionary leadership in elevating the shrine to global prominence.

During a special discussion on cultural and infrastructural achievements, the assembly spotlighted the temple’s renovation as a symbol of Telangana’s spiritual and architectural resurgence.

The speaker opened the session by describing Yadadri as “a jewel in Telangana’s crown,” crediting KCR’s ambitious Rs. 1,800-crore project for turning the ancient hill shrine into a world-class pilgrimage destination.

“Under KCR’s guidance, Yadadri has preserved our heritage and become a beacon of modern engineering and devotion,” he said, noting the temple’s fusion of Dravidian and Kakatiyan architectural styles.

Congress MLA Vamshi Krishna highlighted the temple’s economic impact, stating, “From Rs. 60 crores in 2013-14 to Rs. 225 crore in 2023-24, Yadadri’s revenue growth reflects KCR’s foresight in blending spirituality with development.”

Even BJP legislators, often critical of KCR, offered measured praise. MLA Raja Singh Lodh remarked, “While we differ politically, the scale of Yadadri’s redevelopment under KCR is undeniable. It’s a matter of pride for Telangana.”

Konda Surekha praises

Minister Konda Surekha, speaking in the State Legislative Council, agreed that the previous government was fortunate to get the opportunity to rebuild the temple. “Our government was blessed to have made gold-plated gopuram and vimanam,” she added.

Speaker of the council, Gutha Sukender Reddy, stated that KCR used to invite him personally by calling to all the events at Yadadri temple, but the current government has stopped such niceties. Konda Surekha apologized to the speaker and said she will make sure to continue the same tradition henceforth. As the session concluded, the assembly erupted in applause, with legislators urging the state to promote Yadadri as a model for temple development nationwide, cementing KCR’s legacy as a leader who married faith with progress.