“Spiritual Heritage is Our Strength”: Minister Seethakka Offers Prayers at Vemulawada, Slams Previous Neglect

Vemulawada, Jan 16: In a day marked by spiritual devotion and political resolve, Telangana Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Dansari Anasuya (Seethakka) visited the historic Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple on Friday. Accompanying her family, the Minister offered special prayers and performed the traditional ‘Kode Mokku’ ritual, seeking blessings for the state’s prosperity.

The visit served as a platform for the Minister to highlight the government’s commitment to temple restoration while sharply criticizing the previous BRS regime for what she termed “years of neglect” regarding the shrine’s infrastructure.

A Devotional Visit with a Mission

Minister Seethakka, known for her grassroots connection, arrived at the temple early Friday morning. She first visited the Bhimeshwara Temple, an auxiliary shrine associated with ‘Rajanna’, before proceeding to the main temple complex. “Temple development is not just about stones and mortar; it is deeply intertwined with the emotions, traditions, and faith of our people,” Seethakka told reporters outside the temple.³ “For too long, the ‘Dakshin Kashi’ of Telangana was overlooked. Under CM Revanth Reddy’s leadership, we are finally giving Vemulawada the status it deserves.”

Key Announcements & Policy Shifts

During her interaction with the media alongside Government Whip Adi Srinivas, the Minister outlined several key updates regarding the state’s spiritual and rural agenda. She announced that the state government is drafting a comprehensive plan to develop the entire Godavari river basin—from Basara to Bhadrachalam—to enhance the pilgrim experience ahead of the upcoming Pushkarams. Seethakka emphasized that the ongoing ₹679 crore expansion project is being fast-tracked to ensure modern amenities reach devotees without compromising the temple’s Vedic sanctity.

The Minister’s tour is seen as a precursor to a massive spiritual “circuit” the Congress government is developing, linking the Rajanna temple in Vemulawada with the tribal festivities of Medaram. As she concluded her visit, Seethakka noted that the government’s focus is now shifting toward the Medaram Jatara preparations, ensuring that the tribal goddesses and Lord Shiva’s devotees receive equal attention in the state’s development map.

Medaram Cabinet Meeting

In a major administrative update, she confirmed that a State Cabinet meeting will be held in Medaram on January 18, followed by the official reopening of the renovated Sammakka-Sarakka temple by the Chief Minister on January 19.