Naidu slams Jagan for calling Parakamani case insignificant

In a sharp response to YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissing the Parakamani case as an insignificant one, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday condemned the opposition for trivialising the alleged misappropriation of temple funds.

Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat, Mr. Naidu questioned how anyone could describe such a serious issue as a “small crime,” especially when it involves sacred temple resources. “If an Executive Officer commits theft in a temple, we suspend them immediately. How can anyone justify stealing money from the presence of the deity?” he asked.

Referring to the recent controversy involving the Tirumala temple, he said, “When a theft occurs inside the temple of Lord Venkateswara, the presiding deity of Kaliyuga, how can anyone call it insignificant or defend it?” He also raised concerns about previous incidents, including the distribution of substandard prasadam and supply of adulterated ghee for its preparation, asking whether those actions too should be excused.

The Chief Minister expressed dismay that individuals supporting such acts are now part of the opposition. “I feel ashamed to share a political platform with such people,” he remarked.

Speaking about what he termed false allegations and politically motivated attacks, he cited the case involving a man named Singayya, who died in an accident. “They forced his wife to hold a press conference and blame us,” he said. He further alleged that in another incident, a Pastor who consumed alcohol while travelling from Hyderabad died in an accident, but it was deliberately portrayed as a murder.

He accused the opposition of attempting to tarnish the reputation of the government by spreading baseless accusations in every matter. “We will act strictly against those who committed crimes under the guise of politics,” he asserted.

When asked about the IndiGo fiasco and the demand for the resignation of Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, the Chief Minister said, “The Union minister is answerable to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Parliament. I cannot assess his performance sitting here. The Central Government is trying to bring international standards in the aviation sector and passenger safety. There seems to be some problem that has cropped up in the implementation, and the Centre has eased some guidelines. The situation would come under control.”

When asked whether he would attend the Global Summit in Telangana, he quipped, “We have sent greetings.”