Several Hindu religious leaders, spiritual figures and representatives of civil society on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) condemned the alleged attack on Vijayaviharam Ramanamurthy, general secretary of Hindus for Plurality and Equality (HPE) and national general secretary of Jai Bharat, and demanded action against those responsible.
Addressing a press conference at the Basheerbagh Press Club, Mr. Ramanamurthy alleged that he was attacked by a man identified as Kashyap Reddy at the office of BRK News a day earlier. He claimed that attempts were being made to brand him and others associated with a Hindu convention against hatred and inequality as “anti-Hindu”.
“I was born a Hindu. I remain a Hindu and will remain a Hindu until my last breath. No one can brand me in any other way,” Mr. Ramanamurthy said, adding that he would continue to speak against hatred and inequality despite the alleged attack.
He said Hinduism represented diverse traditions, philosophies and ways of life, and asserted that politics should not interfere with religion.
Former judge Chandrakumar said that fanatics do not like it when someone speaks, backed by evidence, about what true Hinduism actually means — and that this was why they resorted to attacks. He demanded an account of how much money has come in for the Ram temple over the last 40 years and how much has been spent. He demanded that everyone protect Mr. Ramanamurthy, a man of immense learning, and that the State government provide him security.
Among those who also condemned the alleged attack were Annamayya Kalakshetram Peethadhipati Sri Vijayashankaraswami, Birla Mandir chief priest Lakshmi Narasimhacharyulu, spiritual preacher Daruri Narasimhacharyulu, Brahma Kumaris representative Nainala Trinath, advocate Avadhanam Ravikumar, social activist Lubna Sarwath and representatives of several religious, social and political organisations.
The gathering called for protecting freedom of expression and urged authorities to take appropriate action over the alleged assault.
Published - July 16, 2026 12:13 pm IST