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A political storm has erupted in Andhra Pradesh as YSR Congress president Jagan Mohan Reddy canceled his planned visit to the revered Tirumala temple. This cancellation stems from a controversy surrounding the use of alleged animal fat in the preparation of the famed laddoos offered as prasad at the shrine. The controversy was sparked by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's claim that animal fat was used in the laddoos, a statement that has been strongly refuted by Reddy and his party.
Reddy, in a press conference, stated that he was denied permission to visit the temple, a claim denied by Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP). The controversy intensified when the TDP and its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), demanded that Reddy, a former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, sign a declaration meant for non-Hindus before entering the temple. They cited the rules of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which manages the temple, stating that foreigners and non-Hindus must declare their reverence for Lord Venkateswara, the deity to whom the temple is dedicated, before entering the premises.
The controversy further escalated when sources revealed that while the rule itself is not new, new signboards announcing it were placed near the temple after Reddy announced his visit. Naidu emphasized his government's commitment to protecting Hindu sentiments and asserted that all visitors must adhere to the temple's traditions. Meanwhile, YSR Congress leaders were reportedly issued notices by the police citing Section 30 of the Police Act, which regulates public assemblies and processions, amidst reports that party members would gather along the route as part of statewide rituals to atone for Naidu's perceived 'sin'.
Reddy, during the press conference, asserted that the laddoo row was a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the first 100 days of Naidu's current term as chief minister. He vehemently refuted Naidu's allegations about the laddoos, calling them lies and accusing Naidu of violating the temple's sanctity. Reddy argued that Naidu was using the declaration issue and the laddoo controversy as political tools to divert public attention. He pointed out that the laddoos have always been considered special and pure, and that Naidu's claim about animal fat was politically motivated.
Reddy also challenged Naidu's claim about the ghee used in the laddoos being adulterated, questioning the delay in releasing the lab report. He criticized Naidu's conduct, arguing that a chief minister should not engage in such lies, especially when it comes to tarnishing the reputation of the temple and its deity. Reddy further explained that the tendering process for ghee procurement has been conducted every six months for decades, with the temple board approving the lowest bid from qualified bidders. He emphasized that the government has no role in this process.
Andhra Pradesh BJP chief D Purandeswari cited two rules that, according to her, required Reddy to make a declaration. However, TDP spokesperson Jyothsna Tirunagari, who had initially stated that Reddy would be barred from entering the temple without signing the declaration, later clarified that Reddy was not denied permission to visit. She accused Reddy of making false statements and stressed that the declaration rule for non-Hindus has been in place for decades, even citing the example of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam complying with it during his presidency. Tirunagari asserted that the police had not issued any notice to Reddy and that he was imagining conspiracies.
The controversy surrounding the laddoos and the alleged denial of permission to Reddy has sparked widespread debate in Andhra Pradesh. The incident has highlighted the sensitive nature of religious sentiments and the potential for political manipulation within religious institutions. The future course of events and the resolution of this dispute remain to be seen, with both sides accusing each other of political maneuvering and disrespecting religious traditions.
Source: Jagan Reddy Cancels Tirupati Temple Visit Amid Row Over Animal Fat In Laddoos