TNI Bureau: The Congress received a major jolt in Andhra Pradesh, as its 14-year-old ally Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) has withdrawn support to the Kiran Kumar Reddy government over the issue of communal tension.

MIM accused the Andhra Pradesh government of handling the temple renovation issue in Old City area in Hyderabad with callousness. They alleged that the court orders to maintain status quo at the temple were violated.

The problem began over erection of a canopy on the Bhagyalakshmi Temple abutting Charminar. The MIM protested against this decision. Several MIM MLAs were arrested when they staged a protest.

The MIM has seven MLAs and a Lok Sabha MP. Although the Congress government enjoys the support of 154 MLAs in 294-member Assembly and there is no immediate threat to the government, the departure of a trust ally like MIM may dent its image among the minorities.

Heavy security arrangements have been made in the Old City and other areas of Hyderabad to maintain law and order.