Chandrababu Naidu vs Jagan Reddy Over Cancelled Tirupati Temple Visit
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has hit back at YSR Congress president Jagan Mohan Reddy for claiming his government obstructed his visit to Tirumala. “He is spreading lies,” said Mr Naidu, adding no notices had been served to his predecessor about his temple visit. “Did anyone stop you from going? Show the notice if you have, to the media. Why are you spreading lies,” he lashed out.
Mr Reddy had said that he was issued a notice that no permission had been given for the temple visit. His statement came after Mr Naidu’s TDP and its ally BJP demanded that Mr Reddy sign a declaration meant for non-Hindus before visiting the temple.
According to rules of the rules of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which manages the popular temple, foreigners and non-Hindus should declare their reverence for the presiding deity at the hill shrine, Lord Venkateswara, before their visit.
Addressing a pressing conference, the Chief Minister scaled up his attack on Mr Reddy, deepening the row that was triggered by his claim that animal fat was used to make laddoos which are offered as ‘prasad’ at the shrine during the previous YSRCP regime.
“People in public life should follow the traditions and do what needs to be done. Every religion has certain traditions. If you want to visit a place of worship, you need to respect those traditions. No one is above those beliefs and traditions. No one should disrespect the traditions of the gods and beliefs of the devotees and you can’t act in a manner that is humiliating to both,” Mr Naidu said.
“It’s (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam) a very sacred place for Hindus. All the rules and regulations of the temple will have to be followed. The sentiments of the people can’t be hurt. The way he spoke today is wrong, it hurts the sentiments,” he added.
Mr Reddy defended his proposed visit without signing a declaration, saying everyone in the country knows his religion and that he had visited Tirumala temple several times even before becoming the Chief Minister.
