Excise minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana seems to be trying to bail himself out from criticism from the opposition against his alleged involvement in the liquor trade.

He reportedly came to Sri Suryanarayana Swamy in Arasavalli on Sunday and offered prayers to God behind closed doors. He also offered Surya Nama-skar in the early hours. It has been a practice here for top officials and ministers to offer prayers to the Sun God whenever they encounter a problem.

Earlier, senior IAS officer Y Srilakshmi visited the temple when the CBI inquiry was going on. PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana who hails from north Andhra also visited the temple recently.

Mopidevi said he had offered prayers to Sun God for longevity of Kiran’s government.