Tirupati laddu row: Jagan Mohan accuses CM Naidu of spreading ‘sinister lies’, cancels Tirupati visit
- In Reports
- 06:22 PM, Sep 27, 2024
- Myind Staff
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused his successor, Chandrababu Naidu, of spreading false and harmful claims. Naidu had allegedly said that animal fat was used in the preparation of laddus at the Tirupati temple. Reddy told reporters, "(Claiming) Animal fat was used in laddus is a sinister lie (spread) by Chief Minister Naidu." He cancelled his planned Saturday visit to the Bhagwan Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala Hills, citing security concerns.
This comes in the midst of Tirupati's massive laddu controversy. Reddy claimed that Naidu was disseminating false information in an attempt to deflect attention away from "his misgovernance in the past 100 days." He stated, “This is all diversionary tactics. The importance of Tirupati is known worldwide… Protecting its sanctity has been the focus of my regime. The entire country, the state, knows my religion. My late father became the chief minister twice and he always took blessings of Lord Balaji. I read the Bible, I respect the Hindu religion, traditions and rituals. I also respect Islam and Sikhism. My religion is humanity, write that in the declaration.”
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is accused of committing a "sin" by making allegations about Tirupati laddus. As a way to atone for this alleged transgression, the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) chief had said he would visit the temple as part of the statewide temple rituals demanded by the party. His party linked the 'sin' to Naidu's charges against Reddy, claiming that his administration made prasad laddus at the Tirupati Temple using inferior ingredients and animal fat.
But he said that one should "look at the manner in which people are asking me about my religion to enter the temple," about the ruling NDA's demands that he declare his faith before entering the hill shrine. “I watch the TV and I am surprised that BJP leaders from other states are targeting me. I am surprised that leaders from other states are trying to stop me from visiting,” the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister said.
In response to Jagan's comments, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) posted on social media. “Who stopped? According to the law, I have to sign that I believe that Swami is the one, if you don’t want to do that, then go away. Who told you not to sign?” the TDP questioned in a social media post on X.
While countering accusations, the head of the YSRCP asserted that a "robust system" had been established and that the prasadam was made with the "best ingredients." The former YSRCP government was accused by the Naidu government of using adulterated food materials for the prasadam. The claims then caused a national uproar of great proportions. However, Reddy asserted on Friday that the laddus were made with inferior ingredients by the Naidu government.
“During the Chandrababu Naidu regime, from 2014 to 2019, nearly 14 to 15 times, the ghee was rejected due to quality issues. There is a robust process. Similarly, from 2019 to 2024, 18 times it was rejected and sent back. Whatever I am saying are all facts,” the former Andhra chief minister stated. “Why did Naidu procure ghee of cheap quality during his tenure at 270/-” Reddy asked.
Ahead of Jagan Mohan Reddy's scheduled visit, the district police on Friday warned a number of YSRCP leaders and cadres not to disobey the currently in effect Section 30 of the Police Act. As messages circulate on social media asking party cadres to gather at certain locations in Tirupati as a show of solidarity with the former chief minister, the police were forced to issue notices to the YSRCP leaders at several locations in the district, news agency PTI reported.
The ruling NDA insisted that Reddy declare his faith before entering the hill shrine shortly after he had announced his visit to Tirumala. He said that prior to becoming chief minister, he made eleven visits to the temple. “Back then they never asked me about my religion. And now you are slapping me with this notice to prove my allegiance?” he asserted.
PTI quoted a former bureaucrat as stating that in order for non-Hindus and foreigners to have a darshan of the presiding deity at the hill shrine, they must declare their reverence for Bhagwan Venkateswara.
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