The politically sensitive Tirumala laddu controversy has taken a crucial turn, with the Andhra Pradesh government at last deciding to hold a detailed discussion on the issue in the assembly on Tuesday.
The controversy, which has triggered sharp exchanges between the ruling coalition and the opposition YSRCP, continues to generate intense political interest.
State IT minister Nara Lokesh on Monday announced that all facts related to the alleged adulteration of ghee used for making of the Tirumala laddu would be presented in the assembly.
He said attending the assembly is the responsibility of all legislators and urged YSRCP MLAs to participate in the discussion. In a pointed remark, Lokesh said no one would be “personally invited” to attend the House.
He said it was unfortunate that the opposition had brought religious issues onto the streets. He also criticised the practice of staging protests inside legislatures carrying images of deities.
The government has now decided to place all findings of the SIT and related aspects before the assembly during the debate.
Now, the interesting discussion is whether YSRCP chief and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy will attend the assembly debate. While the YSRCP has been pressing for a discussion on
the issue in the Legislative Council, the government has chosen to initiate debate in the assembly first.
Speculation is rife over Jagan’s possible participation. If he attends, observers say the debate could take a dramatic turn. If he stays away, the ruling coalition may use his absence to corner the opposition politically.
YSRCP leaders indicate that Jagan may attend if the issue is taken up for discussion. However, his scheduled Pulivendula tour has also fuelled uncertainty.
There is also speculation within political circles that even if he attends, he may not be given an opportunity to speak. Senior leaders are reportedly advising that he should attend and attempt to speak, and if denied, present his arguments outside the House.
Both the ruling coalition and the YSRCP appear keen to use the assembly debate to strengthen their respective narratives. The government is preparing to present its case formally on the floor of the House, while Jagan’s decision on attendance is likely to have significant political implications for the YSRCP.