Congress leaders in Tirupati, who had refused to comment on the conversion row during the poll campaign, have now begun to react to the issue.

The party activists have thrown their lot behind Tirupati MLA against the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak (RSS) for what they called a `deliberately created' row to foment an `Ayodhya-type' trouble in Tirupati and Tirumala.

Leaders who spoke at a press conference in this connection lashed out at the Sangh Parivar for trying to reopen an issue which was "amicably sorted out" when the Endowments Minister interacted with the Pejawar Mutt chief and members of the Justice (Retd) Bikshapathi committee at Tirumala.

They also cited the measures taken by the TTD to check evangelic activities near the temple areas. However steps were not taken to ensure that non-Hindus did not work in the temple or stay on the hills. Under these circumstances, they wondered why the controversy should be raked up again.

The MLA warned that the Congress with the help of locals would thwart attempts of the Sangh Parivar units to whip up communal sentiments in Tirupati, which was known for its communal amity. He said the Congress would organise an all-party meeting soon to mobilise their support for a united struggle against the RSS' "disinformation campaign."  

The Congress functionaries also took serious exception to the Mathadhipathis and Peethadhipathis converging at Tirupati, giving the impression that the issue had not been sorted out.

The Congress reaction came in the wake of a reported visit to Tirupati recently by the top RSS Pracharak, Bagaiah, the outfit's AP-Karnataka in-charge allegedly to motivate the cadres to keep the row alive.

Meanwhile, the United Pastors Welfare Association recently announced that it would take out a peace rally in Tirupati protesting against the increasing attacks on Christians in recent times in and around Tirupati.

In a statement issued in Tirupati, the association said it saw a systematic conspiracy behind the targeting of pastors, evangelists, Christian nurses and employees by trouble-makers and appealed to the Government to ensure their protection.

The association also wanted that those responsible for trouble in Balaji Nagar of  Tirumala over the alleged pro-Christian graffiti should be brought to book.