Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused the state government of preventing him from visiting the Tirumala Tirupati Temple, claiming it is an unprecedented move to stop people from entering a temple. “Perhaps for the first time in this country, people are being barred from entering a temple,” he told reporters on Friday.
Jagan was scheduled to visit the temple on Friday but called off his plans, alleging that the government, led by CM Chandrababu Naidu, was trying to obstruct his visit. He stated that notices were issued to YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders and workers by the police, asking them not to attend his visit as it “did not have the government’s permission.”
Addressing the media, Jagan also responded to questions about his caste and religion in light of the recent Tirupati laddu controversy. “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. What does the Constitution say? If a person equivalent to the Chief Minister is not allowed into the temple, I question how Dalits will be treated,” he remarked.
The controversy over the Tirupati laddu erupted after CM Chandrababu Naidu accused Jagan of being responsible for the distribution of laddus allegedly containing animal fat, including beef tallow and fish oil. A lab report has reportedly confirmed the presence of animal fat in the laddus distributed as prasadam at the Tirumala Tirupati Temple.
Jagan vehemently denied these allegations, accusing Naidu of trying to divert public attention. “To shift the political focus, CM Chandrababu Naidu has brought up the laddu issue. He is portraying that animal fat was used in the laddu prasadam manufacturing, which questions the sanctity and pride of Tirumala. Is this justified? Chandrababu Naidu is blatantly lying on Tirumala Tirupati’s Laddu Prasadam,” Jagan asserted.
He further criticized the Naidu government, saying, “The demon rule is continuing in the state. The government is trying to obstruct my upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. Police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit. The notice states that the visit to the Tirumala temple is not permitted, and the program organized by YSRCP does not have the necessary approval. Consequently, leaders are not allowed to participate in that programme.”
The political tension between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the opposition YSRCP has escalated in recent days, with both parties exchanging sharp accusations. The controversy has become a flashpoint in Andhra Pradesh politics, with the ruling party and the opposition engaged in a heated war of words.
While Jagan accuses Naidu of targeting him and his party leaders, the TDP leadership maintains that the issues surrounding the temple visit and the laddu controversy are being exaggerated for political gain.
