Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Former minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Vellampalli Srinivas on Saturday criticised the TDP-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh over arrangements for Ganesh idol immersions and demanded an unconditional apology from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan over their statements on the Tirumala Laddu.
Addressing a press conference at the YSRCP central office, Srinivas claimed that inadequate arrangements for idol immersion had resulted in Ganesh idols being left in dry canals and streams in parts of the state.
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He cited instances reported from the HLC canal near Bukkarayasamudram and the Chitravati area near Yellanur in Anantapur district. According to Srinivas, the government was aware of drought conditions in several areas but failed to make adequate arrangements for devotees.
“The TDP government knew about the drought conditions. Why did it not create temporary ponds or release water for immersion?” he asked.
YSRCP RAISES CONCERNS OVER DEVOTEE ARRANGEMENTS
Srinivas also claimed that devotees faced restrictions while organising Ganesh pandals, prayers and annadanam in some parts of the state. He particularly referred to Visakhapatnam and alleged that police personnel had harassed organisers.
The YSRCP leader questioned the government’s approach to managing religious events and said arrangements should have been made in advance in areas where existing water bodies did not have sufficient water for immersion.
His remarks came amid criticism of the state government’s handling of Ganesh immersion arrangements in areas facing water shortages. The claims made by Srinivas have not been independently verified.
SRINIVAS RAISES TIRUMALA LADDU ISSUE
Srinivas also renewed his criticism of Naidu and Pawan Kalyan over the controversy surrounding the Tirumala Laddu prasadam.
He referred to the findings of the Supreme Court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Enforcement Directorate investigation, and claimed that the probes had not established allegations that animal fat, beef tallow, pig fat or fish oil was used in the sacred prasadam.
He described the earlier claims as “false propaganda” and accused the TDP-led coalition leaders of using the issue for political purposes.
The Tirumala Laddu controversy had triggered a political dispute after claims were made about the quality and ingredients used in the preparation of the prasadam. The matter subsequently became the subject of investigations.
Srinivas accused Naidu and Pawan Kalyan of hurting the sentiments of devotees and questioned the silence of BJP leaders over the difficulties faced during Ganesh idol immersions.
DEMAND FOR APOLOGY
The former minister demanded that Naidu, Pawan Kalyan, other coalition leaders and media organisations that had promoted the allegations regarding the Tirumala Laddu issue offer an unconditional apology.
He called on the leaders to walk up Tirumala hill and apologise to Lord Venkateswara and devotees.
Srinivas also reiterated his demand for better arrangements for religious events, particularly in areas affected by drought and water shortages, and said devotees should not face difficulties while conducting immersion ceremonies.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
