Lagatar24 Desk
Tirupati: YSR Congress president Jagan Mohan Reddy has called off his planned visit to the Tirumala temple today amidst growing controversy. The visit was intended as a response to the accusations by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who claimed that animal fat had been used in the preparation of the temple’s sacred laddoos, offered as ‘prasad’.
During a press conference, Mr Reddy announced the cancellation, stating he was denied permission to visit the temple. His visit was seen as an attempt to “atone” for what he called Chandrababu Naidu’s alleged “sin.”
Political Tensions Rise Over Tirupati Temple Visit
The political dispute escalated as Naidu’s party, the TDP, and its ally BJP demanded that Jagan Reddy, who practices Christianity, sign a declaration required for non-Hindus before visiting the Tirumala temple. According to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) rules, non-Hindus are expected to declare their reverence for Lord Venkateswara prior to entry.
Sources reveal that though this rule has been in place for some time, new signboards reminding visitors of the requirement were installed shortly after Jagan Reddy’s visit was announced.
Police Action Amid Rising Tensions
In a precautionary move, police issued notices to several YSR Congress leaders citing Section 30 of the Police Act, which governs public assemblies. This was done after reports surfaced of large gatherings of party members planning rituals statewide to atone for the “sin” attributed to Mr Naidu.
The controversy has heightened tensions between the YSR Congress and the opposition, with both sides exchanging accusations over the issue.
