BJP Urges Jagan Reddy to Declare Faith Ahead of Tirumala Temple Visit

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy reveal his faith before visiting Tirumala temple on September 28. The move comes amid ongoing political tensions and traditions requiring non-Hindus to declare their faith before entering the sacred site.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a demand for former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy to declare his faith prior to his visit to the Tirumala temple on September 28. BJP State president Daggubati Purandeswari stated that according to 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.

The BJP insists that Reddy make this declaration at the Garuda statue in Alipiri before starting his pilgrimage to Tirumala. 'We understand Jagan Mohan Reddy intends to visit Tirumala on the 28th. The practice of declaring one's faith has been an established tradition for decades in Tirumala,' Purandeswari emphasized.

TDP spokesperson Kommareddy Pattabhi Ram added that Reddy must declare his faith or be barred from entering the temple complex. Ram accused Reddy of committing an 'unforgivable sin,' thus denying him any deserved relief from Lord Balaji. 'He must sign the declaration of intent to show faith in Lord Balaji, something he has never done as Chief Minister,' Ram asserted.

Meanwhile, the YSRCP has mobilized devotees statewide to partake in temple poojas on September 28, intending to restore Tirumala's sanctity. Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that current Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had tarnished Tirumala's sacred reputation by claiming its laddu prasadam was adulterated.

(With inputs from agencies.)