Author:
Publication: Deccan Herald
Date: March 2, 2014
URL: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/389423/jagan039s-balaji-darshan-stirs-controversy.html

Jaganmohan Reddy whipped up a controversy on Sunday, as he visited the Tirumala Balaji’s temple without signing the mandatory Declaration form for non-Hindus about their faith in the lord.

TTD authorities granted VIP darshan to Jaganmohan Reddy, a Christian, in the wee hours of Sunday. But the TDP has alleged that the YSR Congress leader has violated the norms of visiting the temple by not signing the mandatory declaration.

Jagan’s previous visit to the temple ahead of a crucial by-election at the temple town on February 2012, with his supporters and former TTD chairman and YSR Candidate for Tirupati Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, resulted in a storm with the BJP and the TDP objecting to the visit.

On that occasion, the temple authorities organising the special darshan in consonance with the protocol followed for a Member of Parliament and former TTD chairman.
 
Responding to allegations by TDP leader Muddu Krishnama Naidu that Jagan had violated the norms by not signing the mandatory agreement, YSR Congress leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy said media establishments closer to the TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu are determined to create a ruccas when Jagan visits the temple.

Speaking to media, Reddy said the controversy was an effort to make the TDP leader chief minister by tarnishing the image of other political leaders.