'Did anyone stop you?' Chandrababu Naidu hits back at Jagan Reddy over cancelled Tirupati temple visit

"He is spreading lies," Naidu said, adding no notices had been served to his predecessor blocking his temple visit.

"Did anyone stop you from going? Show the notice if you have, to the media. Why are you spreading lies," he slammed Reddy.

The former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has cancelled the upcoming visit to Tirumala temple amid the ongoing controversy over the alleged use of animal fat to prepare laddoos (Indian sweet) that were offered to the deity.

The decision was reportedly taken to avoid any disruptions and safety concerns over the visit of the politician.

The YSR Congress chief was about to visit the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala Hills as part of the statewide temple rituals called for by the party to atone for the “sin” allegedly committed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu through his allegations on Tirupati laddoos, reported India Today.

Earlier, Jagan accused the state government of obstructing him from visiting the Tirumala temple.

"The demon rule is continuing in the state. The government is trying to obstruct my upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. Police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit. The notice states that a visit to the Tirumala temple is not permitted, and the program organised by YSRCP does not have the necessary approval. Consequently, leaders are not allowed to participate in that programme," former Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy was quoted as saying by India Today.

A controversy erupted in the state after N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the former YSRCP government used substandard ingredients and even animal fat for preparing the laddoos served to Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati.

According to the rules of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which manages the popular temple, foreigners and non-Hindus should declare their reverence for the presiding deity at the hill shrine, Lord Venkateswara, before their visit. However, faith declaration signboards have recently sprung up in Tirumala.

"People in public life should follow the traditions and do what needs to be done. Every religion has certain traditions. If you want to visit a place of worship, you need to respect those traditions. No one is above those beliefs and traditions. No one should disrespect the traditions of the gods and beliefs of the devotees and you can't act in a manner that is humiliating to both," Naidu said.

Reddy defended his proposed visit without signing a declaration, saying everyone in the country knows his religion and that he had visited Tirumala temple several times even before becoming the Chief Minister. He said though he reads the Bible within four walls, he respects Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism.