YSRCP govt had no respect for people’s sentiments: CM

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on Saturday that his government holds the highest regard for the sanctity of temples and the sentiments of devotees. “Every religion has its traditions and responsibilities, and the government must respect all of them,” Chandrababu remarked while addressing the media at the TDP central office, where he received appeals from visitors. He elaborated on his personal stance regarding the ongoing controversy over the Laddus of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala and outlined the steps his government intends to take.
Expressing regret over the transgressions that occurred at temples across the State during the previous government’s tenure, the Chief Minister noted that when the head of the Lord Rama idol was removed at Ramatheertham, no action was taken. “No one bothered about it, and no steps were initiated against those responsible,” he added. Chandrababu further criticised the previous government, accusing it of destroying Amaravati and retaliating against those who raised their voices, while spreading false propaganda against them.
Referring to the murder of YS Vivekananda Reddy, the paternal uncle of former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chandrababu said, “Just as the YSRCP leaders tried to falsely rebut that crime, they are now similarly denying the issue of boats at Prakasam Barrage.” He alleged that the YSRCP leaders have mastered the art of counter-attacks, fake propaganda, and false rebuttals after committing crimes.
“This is why I compared the YSRCP leaders to the notorious Colombian criminal and mafia don Pablo Escobar,” Chandrababu remarked. He pointed out that despite a clear report from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) on the Prasadam of Lord Venkateswara, the YSRCP leaders are merely attempting to refute it, without offering a proper response. “What should we call such people?” he questioned.
Chandrababu raised concerns about the cost of cow ghee, asking, “How can a kilogram of cow ghee be priced at Rs 320?” He also questioned the reverse tenders related to the Prasadam of Lord Venkateswara, stressing that utmost care must be taken when making decisions about the world-famous sacred pilgrimage centre of Tirumala.
“They not only committed the crime but are shamelessly claiming it to be diversional politics,” Chandrababu stated. He mentioned that upon assuming office as Chief Minister, he immediately instructed the Executive Officer (EO) to cleanse the Seven Hills of Tirumala. The EO took several measures to improve the quality of the Laddus and blacklisted various companies that had previously supplied ghee, he noted.
Chandrababu also questioned how the former TTD chairman, YV Subba Reddy, was given a clean chit by the YSRCP and accused the YSRCP government of failing to uphold traditions at Tirumala. He recalled that the late Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy had once stated that Tirumala had only two hills, a claim which prompted the TDP to wage a campaign against the government at the time. Chandrababu concluded by stating that an “operation cleansing” will soon be undertaken in all temples across the State.