Jagan may be issued notice ahead of Tirupati temple visit
YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is expected to receive a notice from the police—advising him not to violate prohibitory orders—ahead of his planned visit to the Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala Hills on Friday. Several party members have already 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.
Why does this story matter?
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.
Police may issue notice to Jagan at Renigunta Airport
A senior police official told news agency PTI that Jagan may be issued a notice upon his arrival at Renigunta Airport. This is due to online messages urging party members to gather at various locations in Tirupati as a display of support. "We have noticed several postings on social media platforms asking people to gather at certain places in Tirupati. The notices are nothing but cautioning them not to come and defy orders," the official added.
Jagan's 'atonement for sin' rituals
Former Chief Minister Jagan plans to visit the Tirupati temple as part of statewide rituals initiated by his party to "atone for the sin" allegedly committed by CM Chandrababu Naidu—who claimed the previous YSRCP government used impure ingredients in the Tirupati laddus. B Karunakar Reddy—the previous chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)—confirmed that he and other party leaders received police notices but maintained his right to visit the temple with seven members.
Reddy's temple visit sparks faith debate
The YSRCP chief's visit to offer prayers at the Tirupati temple has sparked controversy, with the ruling NDA government demanding that he declare his faith before entering. A former bureaucrat said, as per the rules, non-Hindus and foreigners must declare their belief in the presiding deity before entering the shrine. Jagan is scheduled to leave Gannavaram Airport at 4pm Friday, arriving at Tirumala by 7pm, and will offer prayers to Lord Venkateswara on Saturday at 10:20am.
