Congress spokesperson Konalakonda Sivaji on Saturday went hammer and tongs at Telugu Desam and Krishna district bureaucrats for demolishing temples and statues of historical importance in city in the pretext of carrying out development works for the forthcoming Krishna Pushkarams.
He said the demolition of centuries–old ‘dwarapalaka’, fondly called as ‘Boddu Bomma’, on Canal Road came as a big shock to many as the statue belonged to 10th century AD. He said it was unfortunate that officials were not resorting to a proper plan while taking up road expansion and other development works.
“They should have discussions with temple authorities and should have an alternative plan to preserve the vintage statues,” he felt.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mr. Sivaji said it was improper on the part of the administration to demolish places of worships at midnight and hurting the sentiments of lakhs of people.
“During the Ujjain kumbhmela , the authorities were concentrating on providing facilities to the pilgrims. They did not go ahead demolishing temples,” he observed.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
The smiling Boddu Bomma witnessed the transformation of Vijayawada from a sleepy village to a bustling city and many old-timers literally grew in front of him (the statue). This historical sculpture was recovered from the Eluru Canal, when engineers and the labourers unearthed it while undertaking repair works in the 19th century.
The idol, which was in ‘tribanya’ posture, was carved out of red sand stone with period ornaments.
Based on the style of art, it was deduced that it belonged to the Vengi Chalukya period.
Officials
not resorting to a proper plan,
says
Congress leader