Though nowadays it became normal practice for most of political leaders in Telugu states to perform Ganesh Puja in their respective party offices or houses or some Ganesh pendals, probably for the first time former Chief Minister and YSRCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy performing Ganesh Puja at his residence in Tadepalli on Wednesday has been creating political row.
Incidentally, his proposed visit to Tirumala on the same day has created controversy in the media after some TTD officials made it clear that he will not be allowed unless he signs an affidavit, being a Christian by faith. TDP, BJP and Jana Sena have been accusing him for a long time, as Chief Minister he had never signed such an affidavit, thus violated Tirumala customs and regulations.
However, YSRCP official spokesperson and former TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy has recently clarified that all this is pure propaganda and that Jagan is not going to Tirupati at all. He concluded that this is all fake propaganda by the TDP. Thus, he tried to reveal that no questions of signing an affidavit arise at all.
Meanwhile, Jaganmohan Reddy, who wanted to counter such a strategic campaign by the TDP, decided to participate in the Ganapati puja on Wednesday under any circumstances. Initially, he wanted to go to the Ganesh idol installed in the Rani Gari Thota area of Vijayawada and perform the puja. However, as it is raining heavily in the city, he was unable to go into the city and participate in the Ganesh puja.
Realizing the situation, Jagan made arrangements for the Ganesh puja at his house in Tadepalli. He performed the Ganesh puja there. With this, Jagan’s promise seems to have won. Although the campaign started by the TDP in the name of Tirumala Declaration has come to an end, another campaign is doing the rounds that Jagan changed his plan at the last minute.
There is a discussion that Jagan countered those campaigns by conducting the Ganesh puja on the occasion of Vinayaka Chavithi at such a time. With Jagan conducting the Ganesh puja, the criticism that had been leveled against him till then seems to have been checked.
YSRCP cadre are also expressing happiness as Jagan, who had stayed away from participating in the August 15 celebrations this month, participated in the Ganesh Puja this time without making such mistakes.