*TDP coalition’s incompetence insults Hindu faith: Vellampalli*

Tadepalli, Sept 19: Former Minister Vellampalli Srinivas strongly criticised the TDP coalition government for failing to make basic arrangements for Ganesh idol immersions and demanded an unconditional apology from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for spreading false claims about the sacred Tirumala Laddu.

Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office, he said Ganesh idols were being abandoned in dry canals and streams due to the lack of water. Such distressing scenes were reported from the HLC canal near Bukkarayasamudram and the Chitravati area near Yellanur in Anantapur district.

“The TDP government knew about the drought conditions. Why did it not create temporary ponds or release water for immersion?” he asked. He also alleged that devotees faced restrictions and police harassment while organising pandals, prayers and annadanam, particularly in Visakhapatnam.

Vellampalli said the findings of the Supreme Court-monitored SIT and now Enforcement directorate had exposed the “false propaganda” over the Tirumala Laddu. He claimed the investigation had not established the allegations that animal fat, beef tallow, pig fat or fish oil was used in the sacred prasadam.

He accused Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan of exploiting religion for political gain and hurting the sentiments of crores of devotees. He also questioned the silence of BJP leaders over the problems faced during Ganesh immersions.

Vellampalli demanded that Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan, coalition leaders and the media organisations that promoted the allegations walk up Tirumala hill and offer an unconditional apology to Lord Venkateswara and the devotees.