In a bold move, the Andhra Pradesh government has issued directives to crack down on illegally constructed churches across the state. Under the leadership of Pawan Kalyan, the Panchayat Raj Ministry has directed all District Panchayat Officers (DPOs) to take immediate action in accordance with the Panchayat Raj Land Development (Layout & Building) Rules, 2002.
The Commissioner of the Panchayat Raj Ministry has formally issued memos to all DPOs, instructing them to identify and act against unauthorized religious structures. This directive aims to enforce legal compliance and ensure that places of worship adhere to zoning and land-use regulations. The move comes amid growing concerns over the rampant construction of religious structures on unauthorized land, which often leads to encroachments and legal disputes.
While the directive applies to all illegal constructions, the spotlight on churches has sparked political and social debates. Critics argue that the action unfairly targets specific religious institutions, while supporters claim it is a long-overdue enforcement of existing laws that apply to all religious structures, irrespective of faith.
The state government maintains that this is not an anti-religion move but rather a step to uphold the law and prevent unauthorized constructions. Officials emphasize that any religious institution, whether a temple, mosque, or church, must comply with land development regulations to avoid legal consequences.
This development adds yet another layer to Andhra Pradesh’s already dynamic political landscape, with Pawan Kalyan’s administration making its presence felt. Whether this initiative will bring about transparency in land use or become another political flashpoint remains to be seen.