Hours after YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy indefinitely postponed his visit to the Tirupati Lord Venkateshwara Temple amid growing demands that he declare his faith before entering the shrine, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday (September 27) criticized his predecessor, accusing him of spreading lies about the issue.
Speaking at a press conference following allegations by Reddy against the ruling TDP, calling their governance "Rakshasa Rajyam" (kingdom of demons), Naidu asserted, "TTD has its own traditions and principles that should be respected by everyone, regardless of their religion. No one has said that Reddy should not visit the temple. Due to recent controversies, Hindu sentiments have been hurt, and devotees are organizing protests. If he visits Tirumala, these groups have indicated they will mobilize as well. The police are maintaining peace and order."
"Why is he spreading false information about this issue? Every religion has traditions and principles that deserve respect," Naidu added.
Moreover, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, during the press interaction, also hits back at Reddy over the latter's statement of respecting other religions.
"In the past, you (Jagan Mohan Reddy) have visited Tirumala by breaking its rules and regulations, and it seems you intend to continue doing so, which is unfair. While you say you will read the Bible at home and respect other religions, it’s essential to respect religious traditions and follow TTD rules and regulations. As a Hindu, I perform pooja, and when I visit a church or mosque, I respect their traditions as well. We must maintain communal harmony. I previously referred to him as Pablo Escobar, and we can review all past and future events. Blatant lies are being spread. He claims that adulteration did not occur, but AR sent 8 tankers, of which 4 were consumed and 4 were rejected by the TTD Executive Officer, despite several warnings. Samples were sent to the NDDB lab, and the reports exposed the truth. The samples were collected from 4 trucks and sent to the labs, and we have seen the results."
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