Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India] September 28 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday slammed YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of "spreading false information" after Reddy claimed that the TDP government obstructed his visit to Tirumala.
"Police are on duty to maintain peace and order. Why is he spreading false information on this issue? Every religion has traditions and principles that deserve respect," said Naidu.
Naidu accused Reddy of misleading the public and emphasised respecting religious traditions.
Urging Reddy to respect Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams (TTD), CM Naidu said, "Former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed the government obstructed his visit to Tirumala. He emphasised that those who believe in Lord Venkateswara are welcome to worship and visit Tirumala."
His statement came after Naidu's TDP and its ally BJP demanded that Reddy sign a declaration meant for non-Hindus before visiting the temple.
According to the rules of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which manage the popular temple, foreigners and non-Hindus should declare their reverence for the presiding deity at the hill shrine, Lord Venkateswara, before their visit. However, faith declaration signboards have recently sprung up in Tirumala.
"TTD has its own traditions and principles that should be respected by everyone, regardless of their religion. No one has said that Reddy should not go to the temple. Due to recent controversies, Hindu sentiments have been hurt, and devotees are reportedly organising protests. If he visits Tirumala, these groups have indicated they will mobilise as well," added Naidu.
Continuing his criticism, CM Naidu criticised Reddy's 'intentions' of visiting Tirumala temple.
"In the past, you (Jagan Mohan Reddy) have visited Tirumala by breaking its rules and regulations, and it seems you intend to continue doing so, which is unfair. While you say you will read the Bible at home and respect other religions, it's essential to respect religious traditions and follow TTD rules and regulations. As a Hindu, I perform pooja, and when I visit a church or mosque, I respect their traditions as well. We must maintain communal harmony," CM Naidu said.
Naidu further criticised Reddy for denying 'adulteration' and said that NDDB reports has exposed the 'truth'.
"Blatant lies are being spread. He claims that adulteration did not occur, but AR sent 8 tankers, of which 4 were consumed and 4 were rejected by the TTD Executive Officer, despite several warnings. Samples were sent to the NDDB lab, and the reports exposed the truth. The samples were collected from 4 trucks and sent to the labs, and we have seen the results," Naidu said.
CM Naidu also questioned Reddy for not declaring his 'faith' and 'avoiding' visit to Tirumala Temple.
"He (Jagan Mohan Reddy) is not interested in submitting a declaration; this is why he avoids visiting Tirumala to worship Lord Balaji. I have stated that we will bring an act requiring temples to be headed by leaders of the same religion, just as churches and mosques are led by their respective heads. We have not obstructed any Dalit from entering temples, and we have never made such statements. I feel very sad that they used 4 tankers of adulterated ghee in prasadam manufacturing. There have been no adulteration tests in TTD in the past. We initiated world-class testing equipment labs and will discuss with experts accross the country. TTD Sanctity is our priority. I will not spare anyone who hurts the sentiments and traditions of temples, CM Naidu said.
CM Naidu further made several allegations on the YSRCP regarding the 'contamination' in the Tirupati Prasad.
"Conditions were changed for tenders, and reverse tendering was also implemented. Pilgrims raised complaints about the quality of anna prasadam during their (YSRCP) regime, but they did not address these concerns. The ingredients used in prasadam manufacturing were of poor quality and similar incidents have been reported in many temples." Naidu said.
Earlier in the day, Jagan Mohan Reddy said that "the demon rule is continuing in the state" and that they're trying to obstruct his upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple.
Reddy also accused CM Naidu of "blatantly lying" about the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam, adding that the ghee procurement e-tender is a routine process that has been happening for decades.
"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 organised by YSRCP does not have the necessary approval. Consequently, leaders are not allowed to participate in that programme," Reddy said while addressing a press conference.
He further alleged that Andhra CM Naidu has brought up the Laddu issue to shift the political focus.
"On one side, they are serving notices to obstruct my temple visit, while on the other side, BJP cadres are coming into the state from elsewhere, and a large number of police are deployed at multiple locations. I don't know if the BJP leadership is aware of this. To shift the political focus, CM Chandrababu Naidu has brought up the laddu issue. CM Chandrababu Naidu 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 TTD Laddu Prasadam," the YSRCP leader said.
The row over the Tirupati Prasadam began after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed 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.