YSR Congress Party president and former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday canceled his planned visit to the Tirumala temple after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders demanded that he fill out a form declaring his faith before entering the Lord Venkateswara temple.
Jagan had planned to visit the temple on Saturday morning but faced strong opposition from the TDP, Jana Sena Party (JSP), and BJP, who organized protests against his visit. The controversy follows allegations by the TDP, led by CM Chandrababu Naidu, accusing the YSRCP of being responsible for adulterated ghee, reportedly containing animal fat, being used in the famous Tirupati laddus.
In response, Jagan held a press conference to address the accusations. He read out reports to clarify that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials had rejected all tankers of ghee that failed quality tests. He further accused Naidu and the TDP-led NDA government of using religion as a political tool to tarnish his image.
Jagan expressed his frustration, stating, “I may read the Bible in my home, but outside, I respect all religions—Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism. My faith has never been questioned before. As Chief Minister, I presented sacred clothes to Lord Venkateswara without any issues. Why is my religion being questioned now by the TDP and its allies?”
He condemned the TDP, JSP, and BJP leaders for twisting words and spreading misinformation, and urged YSRCP leaders to inform the public that it was Naidu who disrespected the sanctity of the Tirupati temple by promoting baseless allegations.
Jagan further criticized the TDP’s stance on religion, remarking, “Hindutva isn’t about politics. In my view, true Hinduism is about humanity and good deeds. A Hindu who does wrong is not a real Hindu.” He questioned why his faith was not challenged during previous visits to the temple, including those where he accompanied the Prime Minister and other leaders.
“After my padayatra, I sought the Lord’s blessings. My father, as Chief Minister, also presented sacred clothes to the Lord. Who are you to question our faith? If anyone needs to fill a declaration form, go ahead, but my faith is well-known,” Jagan added, taking direct aim at Naidu.
