*Learn rituals before speaking on Dharma*

Anantapur, Feb 27: YSRCP leader Jwalapuram Srikanth strongly condemned the remarks made by AP Brahmin Corporation Chairman Buchi Ramprasad against YSRCP President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Speaking at the YSRCP office in Anantapur, Srikanth said it is strange that a person who does not have even basic knowledge of Hindu rituals is commenting on Y.S. Jagan. He questioned with what qualification Buchi Ramprasad is criticising YS Jagan when he himself lacks understanding of puja procedures. He stated that standing beside those who perform superstitious rituals for positions brings disrepute to Brahminhood. He recalled that during the TDP regime, incidents of occult rituals at the Kanaka Durga temple came to light.

Srikanth said that if dhupa, deepa and naivedyam are being performed without interruption even in remote villages across the state today, the credit goes to Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. He said speaking without knowing the difference between homa materials and other ritual items only reflects ignorance.

Responding to criticism over Y.S. Jagan’s participation in a homam at the Nandeeswara temple in Pulivendula, Srikanth said YS Jagan performs rituals with devotion and strictly according to scriptures. He explained that during a yagna, akshintalu are smelled and placed aside to ward off negative energies, and criticised those who speak without knowing such traditions. He added that in a homam, only the karta, temple chairman or governing body member sits with his spouse, and even this basic knowledge is lacking among critics.

Srikanth stated that Chandrababu Naidu, who performed rituals wearing footwear and oversaw temple demolitions, is the real betrayer of Hindu interests. He said the TDP’s sole agenda is to falsely portray Y.S. Jagan as anti-Hindu. He concluded that TDP leaders should first learn about Hindu rituals before making statements, and warned that people will respond strongly to irresponsible and unnecessary criticism.