Jagan Reddy cancels Tirupati temple visit amid animal fat row

Jagan Reddy cancels Tirupati temple visit amid animal fat row
27 Sep 2024

YSR Congress president Jagan Mohan Reddy has called off his scheduled visit to the Tirumala temple on Saturday.

The trip was meant to atone for the alleged "sin" committed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who claimed that animal fat was used in the preparation of the famous laddus offered as prasad at the shrine.

During a press conference on Friday afternoon, Jagan said that he was denied permission for the visit.

Why does this story matter?
Fact

Andhra's ruling Telugu Desam Party has accused the YSRCP of using ghee containing animal fats to prepare laddus offered as prasad at the Tirupati Temple. A report from the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food said there is presence of animal fat in the ghee used during the YSRCP's governance, including traces of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard. The YSRCP has denied these "malicious" allegations, accusing the TDP of fabricating lies for political advantage.

Row over declaration for non-Hindus
Political controversy

Notably, this comes amid another political controversy in the state, as Naidu's party, the TDP, along with its ally Bharatiya Janata Party, has insisted that Jagan sign a declaration for non-Hindus, essentially declaring his faith before visiting the temple.

They argue that the rules set by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which oversees the temple, require foreigners and non-Hindus to express their reverence for Lord Venkateswara, the deity to whom the temple is dedicated, before being allowed to visit the shrine.

New boards enforcing old rule come up
In temple

Reports indicate that although the rule has been in place for some time, new signboards enforcing it have appeared near the temple following the YSR Congress chief's announcement of his visit on Wednesday.

Naidu has said that his government would safeguard Hindu sentiments and that all visitors must adhere to the temple's traditions.

Jagan was scheduled to offer prayers to Lord Venkateswara on Saturday at 10:20 am.

Jagan's party members issued notices
Under Police Act

To recall, several members of Jagan's party had been issued notices by district police under Section 30 of the Police Act—which governs public gatherings and processions.

The restriction was imposed near the Tirupati temple following a controversy over the alleged use of "beef tallow" in prasad laddus.

"We have noticed several postings on social media...asking people to gather at certain places in Tirupati. The notices are nothing but cautioning them not to come...defy orders," a police official had said