Guntur, Sept. 4 -- YSRCP leaders condemned the TDP and police for allegedly "obstructing" them while they were proceeding to offer a new sacred Naanthaadu (Mangalsutram) to Goddess Bhramaramba at the Pedakakani temple, stating that political vendetta had now been brought even into a place of worship, a release said.

It added that the Goddess's Mangalsutram went "missing" around 20 days ago, "but the government and Endowments Department failed to respond effectively". Ponnur YSRCP coordinator Ambati Murali Krishna subsequently announced that a new Naanthaadu worth Rs 18 lakh would be prepared with contributions from devotees and offered to the Goddess.

YSRCP said the government then hurriedly suspended five priests and named priest Randh...