A political row has erupted in Andhra Pradesh after the civil supplies minister Kodali Nani’s “objectionable” comments on Hindu gods, PM Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath.
When opposition questioned why Jagan Mohan Reddy did not go to Lord Venkateswara Temple of Tirumala along with his wife, Kodali Nani had said, “The Prime Minister goes alone to Ayodhya temple to lay the foundation stone and so does UP chief minister. Why should Jagan bring his wife to the temple?
Drawing an ire from BJP, Nani had said, “First let them (BJP and Swamijis) ask Modi to go to Ram temple along with his wife to perform pujas; then ask Jagan to do so. If I go with some ten people and ask the Prime Minister to sack Amit Shah or Kishan Reddy, will he sack them?”
These comments sparked controversy in Andhra Pradesh, with BJP asking for resignation of Nani for making such remarks against Hindu gods, PM and UP CM. BJP leaders demanded the immediate dismissal of Kodali Nani from the ministry and an unconditional apology. Andhra Police have house arrested a number of BJP leaders and activists.
BJP leader Vishnu Ministry Reddy, who participated in the dharna, told The Daily Guardian, “How long Jagan Mohan Reddy will do vote bank politics? Minister Kodali Nani is provoking the Hindus. Is he qualified enough to make statements on Modi and Yogi Adityanath? Why did not file any cases against him despite our complaints? He should be sacked from the ministry. If he is not sacked, we deem it as a provocation by the CM Jagan Mohan Reddy.” The opposition parties are also slamming Kodali Nani for making comments allegedly against the faith declaration at Tirumala before entering.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) also demanded his resignation. TDP’s former MLA Bonda Uma said, the CM cannot sit as a silent monk when the attacks are taking place on Temples.
He said, “Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy was deliberately not following the rules and regulations of the temple in utter disregard for the sentiments of the devotees. When so many attacks were taking place on temples, the Chief Minister was sitting like a ‘silent monk’ which is not in the best interests of all sections of the people.’