Opposition is looking to make the most of Tirumala declaration controversy by denting the image of Jagan Mohan Reddy government. Jagan has the opportunity to turn this controversy in his favour and increase his popularity multifold.
There were many instances of non-believers signing the declaration before entering the temple. When Congress president Sonia Gandhi visited Tirumala temple, the then chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy accompanied her. There was a big signboard stipulating that non-believers should sign a declaration confirming their faith in the presiding deity. But to avoid any embarrassing situation for the party chief, YSR walked ahead of her and made the temple staff remove that signboard. He also brushed off officials who brought a declaration to get it signed by Sonia Gandhi. The Congress president had a darshan of the Lord without signing the declaration. There were murmurs over the episode but it did not blow up.
When Abdul Kalam visited the temple as President, he stopped at the entrance of the temple after accepting the welcome of the officials. He himself enquired about the declaration and stepped into the shrine only after signing the form. He proved his greatness and manners by respecting the age old tradition of the temple. Now Jagan Mohan Reddy too has such an opportunity to prove his magnanimity and deference to the traditions.
When Chandrababu Naidu was chief minister, despite protocol allowing him Mahadwara Darshan, he never used it, except during presentation of silk vastrams to the deity during Brahmotsavams. On all other occasions, he used to have darshan through the Vaikuntam queue complex like other VIPs. YSR as chief minister had never signed a declaration during his many visits to the temple. No one ever asked him to do so. As Opposition leader, Jagan visited the temple after completing Padayatra but he did not sign the form which had not evoked much controversy.
Now declaration has turned into a major political row. Maybe opposition is fanning it to derive political mileage. Jagan supporters too might be saying why it is being made an issue when it was not taken note of when he was opposition leader. Since it has become a major issue, what will Jagan lose by honouring the temple tradition?
Image will soar
In fact, this controversy presents a rare chance for Jagan to show his maturity and improve his image. He can just issue a statement like “No need for such a controversy over declaration. I have no objection to signing such a declaration.” He can also summon authorities to bring the declaration form and sign it when he visits the temple. This way, he can silence his political opponents, besides gaining more respect among Hindus.
By this gesture, Jagan can also send a strong message to one and all that he would never violate any religious norm in any place of worship under any circumstances, thus improving his personal image. Will Jagan make use of this good opportunity to raise his personal and political stock?
