Lamenting former chief minister and YCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s irritate comments on Hinduism after his visit Tirumala, AP BJP’s `fire brand’ leader and state spokesperson Yamini Sharma Sadineni questioned both his religious sincerity and the broader conduct of his party.
Yamini Sharma’s remarks target Jagan Mohan Reddy’s failure to sign the religious declaration form at the revered Tirumala temple, an issue that has long simmered in the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh.
The form, a standard requirement for non-Hindus wishing to have darshan at one of the holiest sites for Hindus, serves as a litmus test for public figures who seek to establish their religious credentials.
By choosing not to sign the form, Yamini Sharma alleged that Jagan Mohan Reddy is sending a conflicting message about his faith, a message that she believes is misleading to the public. “Jagan Mohan Reddy claims to be a Hindu, yet he avoids this simple act of transparency,” she added.
“If he truly believes in Lord Venkateswara, what is stopping him from signing the declaration form and having darshan like any other devout Hindu?”, she asked. She accused that Jagan Mohan Reddy’s attempts to present himself as a neutral figure in matters of faith were a strategic cover-up designed to mislead the public about his religious affiliations.
“Jagan Mohan Reddy is trying to create an impression that he is a humanist and secularist to hide his true religious identity,” she said. She also highlighted Jagan Mohan Reddy’s decision to postpone his visit to the Tirumala had only deepened suspicions about Jagan’s religious integrity, a key issue in a state where religious sentiments play a significant role in politics.
“Jagan Mohan Reddy is free to recite verses from the Bible in his personal space, but when it comes to visiting Hindu temples, he must respect and follow the established norms,” Yamini Sharma remarked.
She further points out the religious dynamics within Jagan’s own household, emphasizing that his wife, YS Bharati, is a practicing Christian. While interfaith marriages are not uncommon, this fact is used to cast doubt on Jagan Mohan Reddy’s commitment to Hindu traditions.
In a state where religion is often intertwined with politics, this subtle critique aims to sway voters who may be uncomfortable with perceived religious ambiguity.
