YSRCP Chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has canceled his visit to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and blamed the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government for obstructing his visit to the temple. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, however, accused Reddy of “spreading false information”.
“Former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that the government was obstructing his visit to Tirumala… No one said that Reddy should not go to the temple,” Naidu was quoted as saying by news agency Ani.
Tirupati Ladoo Row
The war of words between Naidu and Reddy came amid reports of adulterated ghee allegedly used for making Tirupati Prasadam.
The row over the Tirupati Prasadam started after Chandrababu Naidu alleged that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati Laddus, the Prasdam offered at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, during the previous YSRCP government.
Naidu said he “will not spare anyone who hurts the sentiments and traditions of temples.”
'When Jagan Reddy visits Tirumals…'
The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh said, “Due to recent controversies, Hindu sentiments have been hurt and devotees have reportedly been organizing protests. If he [Jagan Reddy] Visit Tirumala, these groups have indicated that they will also mobilize. “
“Police are required to maintain peace and order. Why is he spreading false information on this issue? Every religion has traditions and principles that deserve respect,” Naidu said.
Jagan: 'I belong to the community of humanity'
Earlier, Jagan Mohan Reddy said, “Many questions have been asked 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.”
“What does the Constitution say? If a person equivalent to the Chief Minister is not allowed in the temple, I wonder how Dalits will be treated,” Reddy was quoted as saying by ANI.
Naidu: 'have not prevented any dalit from entering temples'
Replying to Reddy's statement, Chandrababu Naidu said that Jagan Mohan Reddy is not interested in filing an affidavit and that “this is why he avoids visiting Tirumala to worship Lord Balaji.”
Naidu was quoted by ANI as saying that his government “has not hindered any dalit from entering temples, and we have never made any such statements”.
“I have stated that we will bring in an act that will require temples to be headed by leaders of the same religion, just as churches and mosques are headed by their respective heads,” Naidu said.
Naidu even accused Reddy of visiting Tirumala by violating his rules and regulations. He further hit out at Reddy, saying, “While you say you will read the Bible at home and respect other religions, it is essential to respect religious traditions and follow TTD rules and regulations. As a Hindu, I perform Pooja, and whenever I visit a church or mosque, I also respect their traditions. We must maintain communal harmony. '