The Endowments Department has banned non-religious ads and banners close to temple premises. Temples that have loud and flashy ads of political leaders and committee members of temple, greeting devotees will be soon removed. Only banners of the temple deities will be allowed to display.
The government has taken this extreme step because the banners and cut-outs of temple committees and local politicians were put up at temple premises using temple funds. The Endowments Department took this issue seriously on temple funds being misused by the committee members of temple for advertising in local newspapers and magazines to gain popularity.
The principal secretary of revenue endowments has stated that the government has banned erection and display of banners at various temples, so that the temple premises gets a spiritual ambiance.
The Durga temple in Vijayawada, Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad and Brahmarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam had banners and hoardings of local politicians and temple committee members displayed at their premises.
Source – Deccan Chronicle