Published Jul 15, 2026 | 7:43 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 15, 2026 | 7:43 PM
TV Ramana Murthy. (Screengrab)
Synopsis: During the debate, Murthy had raised three separate concerns. First, he questioned the government about donations collected for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir being allegedly diverted or siphoned off, an issue that has triggered a wider political row in recent weeks.
A Hindu priest and social activist, TV Ramana Murthy, was assaulted by a Telangana BJP leader during a live YouTube debate in Hyderabad this week, after he raised questions about the alleged misuse of Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation funds and other issues he described as damaging to Hinduism.
Ramana Murthy, General Secretary of Hindus for Plurality and Equality (HPE), and National General Secretary of Jai Bharat publications, was taking part in a live discussion held by BRK News YouTube channel when the exchange turned physical.
During the debate, Murthy had raised three separate concerns. First, he questioned the government about donations collected for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir being allegedly diverted or siphoned off, an issue that has triggered a wider political row in recent weeks.
Second, he criticised a widely shared video from a BJP event in which a performer dressed as Lord Hanuman was made to dance in front of the convoy of BJP National President Nitin Nabin, calling it an insult to the deity and a degradation of Hindu tradition.
Third, he displayed a news clipping showing a Dasavatharam (10 Avatars of Vishnu in Hindu tradition) poster in which Krishna’s face had been digitally replaced with the Prime Minister’s, arguing that such alterations were disrespectful and that religion was being exploited for political gain.
The priest can heard saying, “How can you replace Lord Sri Krishna’s head? Sri Krishna’s head…”
The BJP leader was heard warning the priest not to make such a reference again, threatening to slap him on the spot for it.
The confrontation escalated when Ramana Murthy repeated his complaint, with the BJP leader taking objection with Murthy saying ‘Sri Krishna’s head’. He lashed out physically on camera repeatedly hitting the priest with his sandal.
Also Read: Revanth Reddy unruffled as the Telangana Congress kettle threatens to boil over
The incident triggered swift condemnation from religious and civil society figures.
On Wednesday, several priests and civil society groups gathered at the Basheerbagh Press Club in Hyderabad to denounce the attack and express solidarity with Murthy.
Addressing reporters, Murthy said he was born a Hindu and would remain one for life, and alleged he was targeted precisely because he questioned actions he believes are harming the religion. He said he would not be intimidated and was prepared to make any sacrifice to defend Hinduism’s inclusive, non-discriminatory values, adding that politics should stay out of religious affairs.
Retired judge Justice Chandrakumar, attended the press meet, and said that Murthy was a man who backs his arguments about Hindu values with evidence, and called the assault on him deeply troubling. He demanded that the government provide Ramana Murthy security.
Annamayya Kalakshetram head Sri Vijayashankar Swamy said hatred has no place in Hinduism and called for strict action against the attacker.
Also Read: Lord Rama wouldn’t mind drowning himself for Telangana’s farmers, dear Chief Minister
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreshta Ladegaam)
