Religion issue a "deep-rooted conspiracy": Minister

Hyderabad, Aug 3 (UNI) Terming the recent issues in Tirupathi ''deep-rooted conspiracy'' by some communal organisations for political mobilisation, Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister J C Diwakar Reddy today said that no Christians were now working in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Talking to newspersons here, he said he could not find any cross symbol during his visit to the hill shrine on July 22.

Mr Reddy said he wondered how it erupted all of a sudden before the arrest of two persons, who videographed it.

''No persons belonging to other faiths are working in the TTD to the best of my knowledge'', he said adding that he was ready to take action, if it was proved otherwise.

Replying to a question, he said the State Government's proposal for transfer of much of the hilly area of Tirumala to the control of the Central Forest Department was under process.

UNI SM AJ RL VA VV1804