Jagan Mohan Reddy Cancels Tirumala Visit Amid Controversy

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy postponed his visit to Tirumala for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. This decision came after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded that he declare his faith before visiting the temple.

Press Conference Highlights

During a press conference, Jagan Reddy addressed the issue, stating, “I am postponing the Tirumala visit. Many questions have been raised about my caste. I read the Bible at home, and I respect and follow Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. I belong to the community of humanity.” He questioned how Dalits would be treated if a person equivalent to the Chief Minister is not allowed into the temple.

Reddy also accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of lying about the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam, explaining that the ghee procurement e-tender is a routine process that has been happening for decades. He claimed that the government is trying to obstruct his visit to the Tirumala temple and that police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit.

Reactions from TDP

TDP National Spokesperson Pattabhi Ram Kommareddy criticized Reddy for cancelling his trip, calling him “anti-Hindu.” He mentioned that signing a declaration is a rule for non-Hindus visiting the temple, a practice followed by many, including former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

Another TDP spokesperson, Prem Kumar Jain, accused Reddy of presenting a “drama of lies” during his press conference. He claimed that Reddy’s actions showed a lack of respect for Hindu beliefs and called for harsh punishment for what he termed as a sin.

Background

The controversy began after Chief Minister Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRCP government.