
Date: September 26, 2024
Purandeshwari Demands Jagan’s Declaration of Faith of TTD Visit
BJP Pushes for Jagan’s Declaration of Faith at Tirumala
As per tradition in Tirumala, non-Hindus are required to sign a declaration affirming their faith in Lord Balaji before getting Darshan. This rule is especially emphasized for high-profile visitors. Former leaders like Sonia Gandhi and APJ Abdul Kalam have signed this declaration in the past. Now, the Andhra Pradesh BJP, led by Purandeshwari, is calling on ex-CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to follow the same protocol during his upcoming visit to Tirumala on the 28th of this month.
BJP’s Purandeshwari Stand: Declaration Based on Religious Practices
Purandeshwari, in her recent tweet, reiterated the importance of the declaration for non-Hindus, especially in the case of political leaders. She highlighted Rule 16 under G.O. MS No-311 of the AP Revenue Endowments, which mandates that non-Hindus sign the faith form at the Vaikuntam queue complex before having Darshan.
She emphasized that the BJP’s demand is not a new request but a long-standing tradition that all non-Hindu visitors must adhere to. Purandeshwari further stated, “Jagan must sign the declaration before his trek up to Tirumala from the Alipiri Ghat, as per Tirumala’s customs.”
Will Jagan Comply with BJP’s Purandeshwari Demand?
Despite the BJP’s insistence, there’s no record of Jagan signing the declaration form in recent years. During his tenure as the Chief Minister, Jagan visited Tirumala on several occasions without signing the faith form. The ongoing demand by the BJP has raised questions about whether Jagan will comply with this tradition now, especially given the heightened political climate.
If Jagan chooses not to adhere to this demand, it could lead to potential controversy. Local BJP cadres may further escalate the issue, turning this religious protocol into a political matter. The upcoming weekend could witness an interesting series of events surrounding Jagan’s trip to Tirumala and the BJP’s ongoing push for his declaration of faith.
Political Tensions Rising
The BJP’s demand for Jagan to sign the declaration highlights the intersection of politics and religion in Andhra Pradesh. As Jagan embarks on his Tirumala visit, all eyes are on whether he will comply or if the BJP will turn this into a major political talking point.