Jagan's 'Minor Theft' Comment on Tirumala an Insult to Devotees, Says CM Chandrababu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday launched a scathing attack on YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for his alleged comments describing the recent theft at the Tirumala temple’s Parakamani (offering counting hall) as a “minor incident.” Naidu asserted that such a statement deeply wounds the sentiments of devotees and reflects a profound disrespect for religious sanctity.
Speaking to reporters at the Telugu Desam Party headquarters in Mangalagiri, the Chief Minister questioned the morality behind downplaying a theft at a holy shrine. "A person who tried to settle his uncle's murder case is now trying to settle a theft at a sacred place like Tirumala. Can anything be more atrocious?" he asked. Naidu slammed the argument that the matter was trivial since the stolen amount was returned, calling it an unethical justification.
"What kind of settlement can be made with those who steal offerings and donations made by devotees with immense faith?" Naidu questioned. "The amount may be small, but is stealing from God's hundi a minor mistake? And isn't trying to settle it a grave sin?" He added that Jagan's remarks had caused widespread anguish among the public.
Shifting his focus to state governance, Naidu pledged a firm stance on law and order, accusing the previous administration of fostering a criminal culture. He expressed astonishment at the rise of "lady dons" in Nellore, a phenomenon he said was unheard of in the traditionally peaceful district.
"In the past, districts like Nellore and Vizianagaram were so peaceful that any officer could be posted as SP. But the last five years saw the rise of criminals even there," Naidu stated. "The fact that lady dons were created in Nellore shows how dire the situation had become. We will completely cleanse this culture, root out criminals, and suppress rowdies."
On the development front, the Chief Minister said that construction work on the Amaravati capital is accelerating as the government has begun resolving farmers' issues. He noted that a recent meeting with farmers was successful, leading to their voluntary participation in the second phase of land pooling.
Naidu also praised the state's "Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting" initiative, calling it a new brand in education. He credited Education Minister Nara Lokesh for bringing effective reforms to the sector that are yielding positive results.
Speaking to reporters at the Telugu Desam Party headquarters in Mangalagiri, the Chief Minister questioned the morality behind downplaying a theft at a holy shrine. "A person who tried to settle his uncle's murder case is now trying to settle a theft at a sacred place like Tirumala. Can anything be more atrocious?" he asked. Naidu slammed the argument that the matter was trivial since the stolen amount was returned, calling it an unethical justification.
"What kind of settlement can be made with those who steal offerings and donations made by devotees with immense faith?" Naidu questioned. "The amount may be small, but is stealing from God's hundi a minor mistake? And isn't trying to settle it a grave sin?" He added that Jagan's remarks had caused widespread anguish among the public.
Shifting his focus to state governance, Naidu pledged a firm stance on law and order, accusing the previous administration of fostering a criminal culture. He expressed astonishment at the rise of "lady dons" in Nellore, a phenomenon he said was unheard of in the traditionally peaceful district.
"In the past, districts like Nellore and Vizianagaram were so peaceful that any officer could be posted as SP. But the last five years saw the rise of criminals even there," Naidu stated. "The fact that lady dons were created in Nellore shows how dire the situation had become. We will completely cleanse this culture, root out criminals, and suppress rowdies."
On the development front, the Chief Minister said that construction work on the Amaravati capital is accelerating as the government has begun resolving farmers' issues. He noted that a recent meeting with farmers was successful, leading to their voluntary participation in the second phase of land pooling.
Naidu also praised the state's "Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting" initiative, calling it a new brand in education. He credited Education Minister Nara Lokesh for bringing effective reforms to the sector that are yielding positive results.