Date: September 26, 2024
Jagan Requests CBI Probe, Lokesh Responds with Babai Case
The Tirumala Laddu Controversy and Political Repercussions
The ongoing controversy surrounding the Tirumala Laddu adulteration has reached a boiling point. Top leaders from Andhra Pradesh, including Jagan Mohan Reddy, Nara Lokesh, Chandrababu Naidu, and Pawan Kalyan, have all become involved in the political turmoil. In response to the mounting pressure, Jagan Mohan Reddy recently expressed his desire for a CBI investigation into the laddu controversy, aiming to clear his government of any wrongdoing. However, this defensive move by Jagan has not been well received by his political opponents. Nara Lokesh, in particular, has sharply criticized the former Chief Minister’s call for a CBI investigation, pointing out what he sees as Jagan’s contradictory stance on CBI involvement in other cases like Babai case.
Lokesh’s Strong Response: Babai Case and Jagan’s Inconsistency
During a media interaction, when a reporter mentioned Jagan’s request for a CBI probe into the laddu scandal, Lokesh responded with a powerful retort. He questioned Jagan’s credibility in seeking CBI involvement, citing two key cases that Jagan had seemingly avoided the CBI’s involvement in.
Lokesh stated, “If Jagan truly trusts the CBI, why did he not allow a CBI investigation into his Babai YS Vivekananda Reddy’s murder case, despite repeated pleas from YS Sunitha, Viveka’s daughter? And why hasn’t he cooperated with the CBI in the disproportionate assets case against him?”
Lokesh further pointed out the apparent hypocrisy in Jagan’s sudden request for a CBI probe into the laddu adulteration matter. “Jagan refuses to involve the CBI in his own family’s cases but demands their involvement in the laddu controversy. How does that make any sense?” Lokesh questioned.
Jagan’s Past Avoidance of CBI Investigations Lokesh Responds with Babai Case
Lokesh’s remarks highlight two significant instances where Jagan has avoided CBI involvement. The first is the high-profile murder case of Jagan’s uncle, YS Vivekananda Reddy, where despite YS Sunitha’s persistent appeals, Jagan’s government did not pursue a CBI investigation.
These pointed accusations from Lokesh put Jagan in a difficult position. On the one hand, he’s demanding CBI involvement in the laddu scandal to prove his government’s innocence, while on the other, he has historically disregarded the CBI’s role in sensitive cases involving his own family and personal interests.
Political Implications of the Tirumala Laddu Controversy
As the Tirumala Laddu scandal continues to unfold, the political drama surrounding it only intensifies. Lokesh’s sharp rebuttal has brought new focus on Jagan’s inconsistent stance on CBI investigations, and it remains to be seen how Jagan will respond to this criticism. The laddu controversy, initially centered around allegations of adulteration, has now evolved into a major political battleground with far-reaching implications for Jagan’s credibility and his party’s future.
With the BJP, TDP, and Jana Sena all gearing up for a showdown in Andhra Pradesh, the Tirumala Laddu scandal could become a focal point of the political discourse leading up to the next elections. For now, the ball is in Jagan’s court to respond to Lokesh’s pointed allegations and clarify his stance on CBI involvement in both personal and political matters.