Tirupati Prasadam Controversy Sparks Political Tensions

The debate over Tirupati Prasadam has led to political clashes with CPI MP accusing YSR Congress and TDP of corruption. BJP demands Jagan Mohan Reddy's faith declaration before temple visit. YSRCP urges devotees for temple poojas, claiming Naidu spread misinformation about prasadam adulteration.

The ongoing controversy over Tirupati Prasadam has escalated, provoking strong reactions from political circles. On Thursday, CPI MP P Sandosh criticized both YSR Congress and TDP, accusing them of corruption. 'All these political parties, including YSR Congress and TDP, treat corruption as their main income source,' said CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar.

In a related development, the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded that former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy declare his faith before his planned temple visit on September 28. 'According to Andhra Pradesh Revenue Endowments Rule 16 and TTD General Regulations Rule 136, non-Hindus must submit a declaration at Vaikuntam queue complex before darshan,' asserted Daggubati Purandeswari, State president of Andhra Pradesh BJP.

BJP leaders emphasized that Jagan Reddy should provide this declaration at Alipiri's Garuda statue before beginning his Tirumala pilgrimage. 'We understand Jagan Mohan Reddy plans to visit Tirumala this month. The tradition of declaring one's faith has existed for decades. Non-Hindus must show their declaration at Vaikuntam queue complex as per G.O. MS NO-311 and TTD Rule 136,' said Purandeswari.

TDP spokesperson Kommareddy Pattabhi Ram echoed these sentiments, insisting that Jagan Reddy must declare his faith before his temple visit, or he would be denied entry. 'Jagan Mohan Reddy has committed an unforgivable sin, and Lord Balaji will not forgive him even if he climbs the seven hills on his knees,' said Ram. 'Without the declaration, he will not be allowed inside the temple complex.' Ram added that despite numerous opportunities, Reddy has never signed the required declaration, revealing his Christian faith, which the TDP respects but insists must comply with temple customs.

On Thursday, YSRCP called on devotees to join temple poojas on September 28 to restore Tirumala's sanctity, tarnished by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. YSRCP Chief and Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy urged people on social media to oppose Naidu's alleged false claims regarding the prasadam.

Jagan accused Naidu of misleading devotees by falsely claiming the sacred laddu prasadam was adulterated with animal fat, thus defaming the revered image of Lord Venkateswara. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)