TDP, BJP register protest over Govt's denial of probe

Hyderabad, Mar 26 (UNI) The opposition TDP and the BJP today registered protest in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly after the government turned down its demand for a high-level probe into the alleged irregularities in Sri Venkateswara Bhakthi channel set up by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

TDP member N Amarnatha Reddy registered his protest after Endowment Minister J Ratnakar denied any irregularities in recruitment or selection of serials and documentaries while replying to a question raised by Mr Reddy and other party members.

The TDP had raised the question only due to personal animosity with TTD Chairman Karunakar Reddy, the Minister contended, asserting that there was no irregularity in the purchase of LCDs by the TTD.

The channel was set up to promote and propagate Hindu religion by telecasting devotional programmes all over the world, he added.

BJP Floor leader G Kishan Reddy also registered his party's protest over purchase of compact discs by the channel at a ''very high rate'' at a time when several devotees were ready to donate CDs free of cost.

UNI SM VA AJ VD ND1625