Tirupati Row: BJP urges Jagan to declare faith

Amidst the ongoing Tirupati Laddu controversy, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu has claimed that animal fats were used in the preparation of Tirupati Laddus during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s rule. This has escalated tensions ahead of Reddy’s scheduled visit to the Tirumala temple on September 28.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday demanded that former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy must publicly declare his religion before entering the Tirumala temple. As per Andhra Pradesh Revenue Endowments Rule 16 and TTD General Regulations Rule 136, non-Hindus must submit a declaration at the Vaikuntam queue complex before darshan.

State BJP president Daggubati Purandeswari emphasized that Reddy should declare his faith at the Garuda statue in Alipiri before starting his ascent to Tirumala for darshan. “This practice has been followed for decades,” she added.

Also Read:Hindus Go Back: BAPS Temple In Sacramento Vandalised Week After New York Desecration

TDP spokesperson Kommareddy Pattabhi Ram also urged Reddy to declare his faith, stating that the former chief minister has previously entered the temple without signing the required declaration. He further claimed Reddy follows Christianity and accused him of disregarding the customs of the temple. Ram stated, “Lord Balaji will not forgive his sins, even if he climbs the seven hills on his knees.”

Also Read:Sanjay Raut Sentenced to 15 Days in Jail Over Defamation Case by BJP Leader Kirit Somaiya’s Wife

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), meanwhile, has refuted Naidu’s claims regarding the preparation of Tirupati Laddus and urged devotees to participate in temple poojas across the state on Saturday to restore the sanctity of Tirumala. They also accused Naidu of tarnishing the temple’s image with baseless allegations.