Strongly objecting to former chief minister and YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s accusations that the TDP-led NDA government was using religion to settle political scores, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu slams the YCP chief and said nobody is bothered if Jagan reads the Bible at his home.
But, he asserted that “We all follow some faith or the other. Jagan says that while he reads the Bible at home, he respects all religions outside. If so, why doesn’t he want to respect the rules and traditions of Tirumala temple – of declaring if one is from a different faith? Every law abiding citizen has done it before.”
The war of words between Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his predecessor Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy became more bitter Friday, hours after the latter cancelled his scheduled visit to Tirumala.
After the YSR Congress Party chief called out leaders of the Telugu Desam Party and the BJP for asking him to fill a form declaring his faith before entering the Lord Venkateswara temple, Naidu shot back and asked“Has anyone stopped him from going to the temple? All that some people have asked is “you follow the rules and regulations of the temple”.
He recalled that so many prominent persons have signed the declaration form and visited the temple without any fuss. Then, he wondered that what prevented Jagan from doing so?
He lamented that “If Jaganmohan Reddy respects all religions, why is he asking why he should declare his faith before entering a temple when it is the tradition and a rule?”
Naidu emphasized the importance of respecting the customs and traditions associated with the temple, declaring, “No person is greater than God and rituals.” He underscored the belief that Telugu people are fortunate to have such a significant shrine and urged adherence to its longstanding traditions.
Naidu pointedly remarked on Jagan’s previous claim of having visited Tirumala in the past, questioning why he would now choose to avoid the visit. “Many people have visited Tirumala after declaring their intent,” Naidu noted, subtly criticizing Jagan for allegedly defying temple protocols.