Vijayapura: Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has demanded the arrest of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy over allegations of using beef, pig fat in the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam. Speaking to media representatives in Vijayapura, on September 2, Yatnal made strong accusations, claiming that Jagan Mohan Reddy, being a converted Christian, is involved in a conspiracy against Hindu traditions and Sanatan Dharma.
“Millions of devotees undertake a pilgrimage to Tirupati Balaji with utmost devotion. The revelation that animal fat was used in the sacred laddu is not just a political criticism but a direct attack on our faith,” Yatnal stated. He pointed to tests reportedly conducted in Gujarat, which allegedly confirmed the use of lard in the laddus. Yatnal emphasized that this incident, which occurred in the revered presence of Lord Thimmappa (another name for Lord Venkateswara), is part of a larger plot aimed at undermining Sanatan Dharma.
He did not stop at accusations but demanded severe punishment for those involved. “The culprits should be hanged,” he said emphatically, reflecting the deep sentiments of the Hindu community. Yatnal further voiced concern over the growing influence of non-Hindu elements around Tirupati, pointing to the construction of churches in close proximity to the temple, which he described as unacceptable.
“The governing body of Tirupati Temple should be in the hands of Hindus only,” he asserted, calling for a complete purification of the entire Tirupati temple. He urged the temple authorities and the state government not to let this incident pass without a thorough investigation. “Sanatan Dharma has been betrayed by playing with the sentiments of Hindus, and there must be a logical conclusion to this case,” he added.
Yatnal also revealed that the Union Health Minister has sought a report on the issue, underscoring the seriousness of the matter at the national level. He reiterated his call for strict punishment, saying, “If those guilty of this crime are not punished, similar things could happen to Hinduism in the future.”
In addition to the Tirupati Laddu controversy, Yatnal raised concerns about the administration of Hindu temples across the country. He argued that non-Hindus should not be employed in religious endowment departments or temple management boards. “Only Hindus should be on the temple management board,” he insisted, calling for a thorough review and restructuring of temple governance. He also demanded that Hindu temples be released from government control and run by independent committees formed by devotees.
Yatnal’s speech took a sharper turn when he addressed the issue of alleged harassment of Hindus during religious festivals. Referring to incidents of stone-pelting by Muslim groups during Ganesha festivals, he accused Muslims of deliberately disrupting Hindu festivals. “Have we ever seen a stone thrown during Eid Milad?” he asked, suggesting that Muslims are not interested in peaceful coexistence and are instead targeting Hindus. He voiced outrage over restrictions placed on Hindus near mosques during processions, saying, “Are the roads in front of mosques their father’s property? Hindus have every right to walk on public roads.”
Yatnal concluded his remarks with a call for the establishment of a Sanatan Hindu Raksha (Protector) Board, both at the national and state levels, to oversee the protection and preservation of Hindu temples and traditions. He proposed that such a board should be headed by retired Supreme Court and High Court judges to ensure transparency and accountability in temple administration and the protection of Sanatan Dharma.
The statements made by Yatnal have added fuel to ongoing debates about the governance of Hindu temples, religious tolerance, and the role of the government in managing religious institutions. With these strong words, Yatnal has once again positioned himself as a vocal defender of Hinduism, advocating for greater autonomy and control over Hindu religious affairs.
