Hindus organize hunger strike to protest Christian propagation at Tirumala

Undertaking hunger relays, a Hindu organization has protested against the presence and spread of Christianity at Tirumala, a popular Hindu shrine in Andhra Pradesh.

Tirumala Tirupati Samrakshana Samiti (Tirumala Tirupati Protection Organization), March 10, organized hunger strikes at seven centers at Tirumala, with its general secretary, N.V. Muralidhar, calling upon the members of different temple committees and bhajan mandalis, besides devotees, to take part in the fast.

According to information obtained by Bangalore–based Christian advocacy group, Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), Muralidhar alleged that a woman staffer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the managing body of the Hindu shrine, was caught, January 28, preaching Christianity in a private hospital.

She was later transferred to the TTD Hospital, he said, adding that this was proof that propagation of other religions was still going on in Tirumala despite denial by the TTD and the State Government of Andhra Pradesh.

"Interestingly, TTD, which has massive resources generated through the shrine, has approached the European and North American countries to spread the fame of Lord Venkateshwara. It has even approached many Congressmen to give priority to setting up TTD mini shrines in Christian heartlands," observed Sajan K. George, national president of GCIC, in a press release.

GCIC said it apprehends that the March 10 agitation was just a ploy to renew violent attacks on Christians.