Our Special Correspondent
Amaravati: The gloves are off as Jagan Mohan Reddy, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and founder of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), faces one of the most significant challenges to his political career. The controversy centers around the alleged adulteration of the Srivari Laddu at the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, which has escalated into a major political and religious crisis. This incident not only threatens Jagan’s credibility but also puts YSRCP’s standing in jeopardy, further deepening the crisis for the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh.
Initially, Jagan denied any wrongdoing and even announced plans to visit the temple on Friday, offering to tonsure his head as a gesture of reverence to the deity, despite being a Baptist. “I respect all faiths—Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and others—not just in my state, but across India,” he stated during a media interaction while announcing the cancellation of his visit. He further emphasized that his faith is personal, confined to “within four walls,” but he respects other religions when in the public sphere.
Jagan also took a swipe at his political rivals, notably Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, saying, “Today, my opponents question my religion. Yes, I am a devout Christian, but when I step outside, I belong to the ‘human caste.’ Is that a crime?” He clarified that he had never signed a religious declaration in the past and would not do so now under any form of compulsion.
This public confession adds a new layer of complexity ahead of the elections, especially in light of viral videos suggesting that Jagan had plans to reconvert to Hinduism. These videos, which depicted him performing Hindu rituals in the Ganges, were dismissed as ‘fake’ and ‘doctored’ by Jagan, who reiterated that he would never sign any affidavit to gain entry into Hindu temples, where such a declaration is mandatory for non-Hindus.
At the heart of the controversy is a deeper religious sentiment. Tirumala, one of Hinduism’s holiest shrines, requires non-Hindus to sign an affidavit affirming their respect for the deity before entering the sanctum. Allegedly, this rule was flouted during Jagan’s tenure, sparking accusations that his government disregarded the temple’s sanctity. Even prominent figures like former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi adhered to this tradition, underscoring its importance.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition has seized upon this as a major religious violation, using it as a symbol of YSRCP’s failure to uphold temple norms. By committing to restore the sanctity of Tirumala, Chandrababu Naidu and his ally, Pawan Kalyan, have turned this issue into a rallying point for Hindu voters. Pawan Kalyan’s proposal to form a “Dharma Rakshana Board” to protect Hindu temples and traditions adds further weight to their campaign.
This controversy couldn’t come at a worse time for Jagan and YSRCP, with elections looming. The Tirumala issue risks alienating a significant portion of the Hindu electorate, a key demographic in Andhra Pradesh. The opposition coalition of TDP, JSP, and BJP is using the controversy to portray Jagan as a leader who disrespects religious traditions, positioning themselves as the guardians of Hindu faith.
Further complicating matters, the Srivari Laddu—a sacred offering at the Tirumala temple—is central to the controversy. Allegations that the laddu was adulterated during Jagan’s tenure as Chief Minister have fueled public outrage, with opposition parties using the incident to undermine his political standing. What began as a religious issue has snowballed into a full-blown political battle, forcing Jagan into damage control mode as he tries to prove his commitment to the temple and its devotees.
Chandrababu Naidu’s strategy to restore the temple’s sanctity, including the appointment J Shyamala Rao, a high-profile officer, as the Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), signals his intent to reverse what he sees as YSRCP’s mishandling of religious affairs. Naidu’s focus on conducting temple rituals in accordance with traditional Agama Sastras is part of his larger plan to position his government as a protector of Hindu traditions.
Additionally, the opposition has accused YSRCP of favoring non-Hindus in key administrative positions, further complicating Jagan’s defense. The politicization of temple management is a key issue in Andhra Pradesh, and Jagan’s inability to address these concerns has allowed the opposition to control the narrative, painting YSRCP as a party that disrespects one of Hinduism’s most revered temples.
The Tirumala controversy has exposed cracks in Jagan’s leadership and YSRCP’s governance. What started as a minor issue about the laddu has now grown into a political and religious crisis. Jagan’s attempts at damage control have only heightened tensions, and with the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance focusing on preserving Hindu practices, YSRCP is in a fight for its survival.
As the elections approach, this crisis is likely to dominate Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape. For Jagan and his party, the road ahead is treacherous. The Tirumala incident has damaged their relationship with a key section of the electorate, and it remains to be seen whether YSRCP can recover. For now, Jagan is fighting not just for political power but for his very political existence.
