Hyderabad: It seems that BJP is shedding its strong Hindutva image, since a BJP MLA from Khairatabad, C Ramchandra Reddy, demanded the State Government to pay at least Rs 10,000 each to all the Imams who offer Taraveeh prayers in different mosques across Telangana State. He made this demand during a meeting convened by Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali to discuss preparations for holy month of Ramzan at the State Secretariat, on Thursday.

The BJP MLA said that the Endowments Department pays Rs 10,000 each to all the pujaris who perform rituals during annual Brahmotsavam in different temples.  Similarly, he said that the State Government should pay at least Rs 10,000 each to all the Imams who recite Holy Quran during Taraveeh prayers.

Even if there are 10,000 mosques in the State, then government would incur an expenditure of Rs 10 crore, he added. Ramchandra Reddy said that the Ramzan is an important festival for Muslims and all necessary arrangements should be made for the smooth conduct of the festival.

He said instead of Deputy CM, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao himself should have convened the preparatory meeting in view of its importance. The BJP MLA also pointed out devotees faced lot of problems due to lack of arrangements by the for Eid prayers at Nizam College Grounds. He said this year proper arrangements should be made at all Eidgahs and other places for the Eid prayers.