Andhra CM again in trouble over promoting Christianity

More trouble awaits Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Rajasekhara Reddy who was last week accused of using state machinery to promote Christianity in the state.

The opposition accused Reddy after a three-day prayer meeting by Reddy's son-in-law was organised in Vijaywada.

They said, the state machinery was used to help evangelist Anil Kumar organise the Jesus Christ Blessings Festival.

Huge hoardings announcing the arrival of the 28-year-old evangelist has come up in several cities and towns in the state, they alleged.

Crores have been spent on life-size billboards that have been put up all over Vijayawada. Who is behind the mobilisation of the 2 to 3 lakh people who attended the programme asked Telugu Desam Party (TDP) spokesperson N Rajkumar.

"Government property and machinery are misused, he is provided police security and escort everywhere he goes, the state government arranges for full security and bandobast for his programmes which have all the markings of a government-sponsored function", alleged Rajkumar.

Meanwhile, denying that the organisation gets any support from the government, spokesperson of Anil World Evangelism, Abhilash Samuel said, "It is his popularity and the faith of people in him that draws the crowds. Anil Kumar believes that Jesus Christ is a God of relationship, not a God of a particular religion. His philosophy appeals to people."