• By Mayukh Debnath
  • Fri, 27 Sep 2024 04:23 PM (IST)
  • Source:ANI

Tirupati Laddu Row: YSRCP supremo and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has cancelled his plan to visit the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala Hills amid the raging controversy over the alleged adulteration in the preparation of the famed Tirupati Laddus that is said to have taken place during his term as the head of the state government. Citing the prohibitory orders enforced by the local administration, he slammed the N Chandrababu Naidu-led state government for "trying to obstruct" him from visiting the temple. 

"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," Jagan told a press conference on Friday.

Speaking on the allegations levelled against him by CM Naidu, he asserted that the process for granting tender to Ghee suppliers was strictly adhered to under his government. "CM Chandrababu Naidu is telling lies. The ghee procurement e-tender is a routine process that has been happening for decades in every 6 months. Tirupati Laddu is very special. Since my childhood, I know that it is very special. The tender process takes place every 6 months, it’s a routine. It has been happening for years. Anyone who qualifies can participate."

Jagan also alleged that BJP workers were entering Andhra Pradesh in large numbers, saying, "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 chief had announced that he would visit the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple as part of a massive movement for which his party had urged devotees across the state to participate in temple rituals on September 28 with the stated objective to atone for the 'sins' allegedly committed by Naidu with his allegations on Tirupati laddus.

Following the announcement, the ruling TDP-BJP-Jana Sena alliance had mounted an offensive against Jagan, daring him to submit the mandatory declaration about his faith before visiting Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple. Hours before Jagan made public his decision to not go ahead with the planned visit, CM Naidu, without taking any names, had called on potential Tirumala pilgrims to not "act against the sentiments and temple rituals".

(With inputs from agencies)