YSRCP leaders should apologise for ‘disrespecting’ Lord Venkateswara

Minister for Women and Child Welfare, and Tribal Welfare Gummidi Sandhya Rani on Friday launched a sharp attack on YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders, accusing them of disrespecting Lord Venkateswara during their protest and demanded a public apology from them.

Reacting to statements made by YSRCP MLC Madhava Rao, she said even if a single photograph or video was produced showing them entering the Assembly wearing footwear while carrying a photograph of the deity, he should immediately resign from his MLC post. She challenged those making allegations to place credible evidence in the public domain.

Ms. Sandhya Rani alleged that YSRCP leaders used photographs of Lord Venkateswara as placards during their protest, which she termed as “highly objectionable and condemnable.” She claimed that one individual held the Lord’s photo upside down, while another allegedly threw the picture on a table during the agitation.

“The manner in which they insulted the deity is deeply disturbing and hurts the sentiments of devotees,” she said. The Minister added that the leaders appeared unaware of what exactly they were demanding and accused them of indulging in theatrics without reverence to or fear for God.

She also criticised former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, stating that his comments trivialising alleged theft of hundi money were “shameful” and unbecoming of a public leader.

The Minister reiterated that Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy and other YSRCP leaders should tender an unconditional apology and refrain from politicising matters related to faith and religious institutions.