Hyderabad, July 21 -- In a rather surprising move, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Monday, July 20, met controversial Hindutva seer Dhrirendra Krishna Shastri aka Bageshwar Baba, who is known for his anti-Muslim remarks. The Dy CM welcomed Shastri into his home at a time when Hyderabad and Telangana have been witnessing back to back communal incidents which have left many citizens about the message the meeting sends out.

According to videos from social media, Bhatti Vikramarka can be seen grandly welcoming the anti-Muslim seer in his home, with an Aarti ritual being performed as well as a mark of respect. Majlis Bachao Tehreek leader and ex-corporator Amjadullah Khan questioned the Congress party's "secula...