Tirupati laddu controversy: Ex-CM Jagan Reddy cancels temple visit, says he was denied permission
Jagan Reddy had been announced plans to visit the Tirumala temple to atone for what he called the “sin” committed by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. This arose are after Naidu claimed that the animal fat was used in the preparation of the laddoos, which are offered as ‘prasad’ at the revered shrine.
In a turn of events, YSR Congress president Jagan Mohan Reddy decided to cancel his scheduled visit to the temple on Saturday, which he had intended as a public gesture of atonement. He expressed frustration during a press conference on Friday, alleging that authorities denied him permission to visit, a claim that was dismissed by Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
The backdrop to this political drama is a rising tension in Andhra Pradesh, where the TDP, along with its ally the BJP, has insisted that Reddy, a former chief minister, sign a declaration required of non-Hindus wishing to enter the temple. This stipulation is rooted in the temple’s regulations, managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which requires foreigners and non-Hindus to affirm their respect for Lord Venkateswara, the deity of the temple, before they are allowed entry.
While the declaration rule has existed for some time, new signboards emphasizing this requirement appeared near the temple following Reddy’s announcement of his visit on Wednesday. Naidu emphasized his government’s commitment to safeguarding Hindu sentiments, asserting that all visitors must adhere to temple traditions.
The political climate further intensified as the police reportedly issued notices to YSR Congress leaders, citing Section 30 of the Police Act. This law regulates public assemblies and processions, and the notices were issued amid concerns that party members might gather along the route to participate in statewide rituals aimed at atoning for what they termed Naidu’s “sin.”
At the press conference, Reddy claimed he had been notified that no permissions were granted for his visit to Tirumala. He accused Naidu of using the laddoo controversy as a diversion from the pressing issues facing the state, particularly during the first 100 days of Naidu’s current term in office.
“Every assertion made by him regarding the laddoos is turning out to be false,” Reddy stated in Telugu, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations. “He has not only erred but also violated the sanctity of the temple. I have visited Tirumala many times, and now he is exploiting the declaration issue to shift focus from pressing matters.”
Reddy defended the purity of the famed Tirumala laddoo, emphasizing its significance and dismissing Naidu’s claims as politically motivated. “The laddoo is unique and sacred. It’s disheartening to see a chief minister maligning its reputation with baseless allegations about animal fat,” he remarked.
The controversy surrounding the ghee used in the laddoos escalated further as Reddy questioned the delay in the release of the lab report concerning the ghee’s composition. “A person in the chief minister’s position should not resort to such dishonesty,” he argued. “There is nothing more irreligious than a chief minister tarnishing the name of the temple and the deity.”
He noted that the process of procuring ghee for the laddoos has been a long-standing practice, with tenders being issued every six months. “The temple board selects the lowest bidder from qualified proposals, with no interference from the government,” he explained, aiming to clarify the temple’s operational integrity.
The BJP, represented by Andhra Pradesh chief D. Purandeswari, reinforced the requirement for Reddy to sign the declaration before his visit. “It has been the established practice for decades. Non-Hindus must declare their faith before entering the temple,” she asserted, referencing specific rules outlined in government orders and temple regulations.
Meanwhile, TDP spokesperson Jyothsna Tirunagari countered Reddy’s claims, stating that he had not been denied permission to visit the temple. “His allegations are unfounded. The declaration requirement is a long-standing rule, and we had pointed this out during his time as chief minister. Even former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam complied with it when he visited,” she noted.
Tirunagari further stated that the police had not issued any notices to Reddy and accused him of imagining conspiracies where none existed. “The rules have always been in place, and Reddy’s assertions about being denied permission are simply not true,” she said.
As this political drama unfolds, it highlights that the intricate intertwining of the religion and politics in Andhra Pradesh. The Tirumala temple, a significant pilgrimage site, is at the center of these controversies, are with its traditions becoming as a point of the contention in the political arena. Reddy’s initial intention to visit for atonement has morphed into a larger debate about religious practices, political integrity, and the responsibilities of public officials.
The laddoo controversy has sparked broader discussions among the public and political commentators alike. Many are questioning that the motives are behind the claims made by the both parties, and whether this incident will have lasting implications for the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh. The incident has clearly showcased how sensitive religious sentiments can become when interwoven with political narratives, especially in a region with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
With the situation still evolving, it remains to be seen how the political parties will be navigate this controversy and whether it will be influence the public perception of their leaders as the narrative continues to develop. The involvement of the law enforcement, the enforcement of temple rules, and the potential for public gatherings will undoubtedly keep the spotlight on this issue in the days to come.
Tirupati laddoo ghee row: YSRCP boss Jagan Reddy cancels planned visit to Tirupati temple
Earlier today, reports surfaced indicating that YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s planned visit to the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala Hills may face considerable obstacles due to newly imposed police prohibitory orders. These restrictions have mandated that Jagan and his party adhere to specific guidelines or face potential legal repercussions.
Jagan intended visit was a part of a broader initiative by the YSRCP to as symbolically atone for what they are describe as the “sins” of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. This controversy was ignited by Naidu’s accusations against on the previous YSRCP-led administration, claiming that subpar ingredients, including animal fat, were used in an making the revered laddus offered at the Sri Venkateswara temple. Such allegations have been incited widespread outrage and raised questions about the sanctity of the temple’s offerings.
In a related development, B. Karunakar Reddy, former chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, shared that he and several other party leaders had received police notices warning them to comply with the prohibitory orders. Nonetheless, Karunakar Reddy asserted that, as a former TTD chairman, he is entitled to participate in the darshan alongside seven companions, which he intends to do today.
“Some of our leaders received notices in the dead of night instructing them to keep their distance. It’s absurd for officials to demand that Jagan Mohan Reddy provide a declaration when he has personally presented silk robes to Lord Venkateswara on multiple occasions during festivals,” Karunakar Reddy stated.