Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of attempting to improve his image through temple visits after allegedly hurting the sentiments of Hindu devotees. The remarks came amid escalating political tensions between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and the opposition YSRCP over religious and governance-related issues in the state.

Naidu's criticism followed Jagan Mohan Reddy's visit to Bhumayyagaripalle village, where he participated in the inauguration of the newly constructed Gattu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. During the visit, the former chief minister offered special prayers, took part in religious rituals, and interacted with local leaders and party workers. The event was presented by the YSRCP as part of Reddy's outreach activities and his engagement with devotees and supporters in the region.

Referring to the Tirumala laddoo ghee adulteration controversy, Naidu said his government had taken a firm stand to safeguard the sanctity of the Tirumala temple and protect the religious sentiments of millions of devotees. The issue has remained a major political flashpoint in Andhra Pradesh, with the ruling alliance repeatedly accusing the previous YSRCP government of failing to ensure proper oversight of temple-related affairs. Naidu asserted that any perceived disrespect toward Lord Venkateswara, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, was unacceptable.

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Addressing party workers, the chief minister said that Lord Venkateswara is worshipped as the deity of the Kaliyuga and that any offence against the deity carries significant emotional and spiritual consequences for devotees. He questioned whether public representatives and governments had a responsibility to act when such issues arise, arguing that protecting religious institutions and traditions was a key duty of the administration. His remarks were seen as an attempt to reinforce the NDA government's position on matters related to faith and temple management.

Naidu also directly targeted Jagan Mohan Reddy, suggesting that his recent temple visits were politically motivated rather than driven by religious devotion. Using a term frequently employed by TDP leaders to criticise the YSRCP, Naidu referred to Reddy as the leader of the "Goddali Party" or "Axe Party" and alleged that he was staging a political drama by visiting temples after facing criticism over issues linked to Hindu sentiments. The comments drew applause from party supporters but are likely to further intensify the political rivalry between the two leaders.

The exchange highlights the increasingly sharp political contest in Andhra Pradesh following the 2024 Assembly elections, which returned Chandrababu Naidu to power. Religious issues, temple administration, and the Tirumala controversy have emerged as prominent themes in the state's political discourse, with both the ruling coalition and the opposition seeking to position themselves as defenders of public faith and cultural traditions. As the debate continues, temple visits and religious symbolism are expected to remain significant elements of the political narrative in Andhra Pradesh.

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