Even as the YSRCP government is facing a rough weather on Antarvedi chariot burning, attacks on temples, missing of lions from silver chariot at Kanakadurga temple, and Tirumala declaration controversy, civil supplies minister Kodali Nani further complicated the situation for the government with his impudent comments in a television interview.
In his usual style, he attacked the declaration tradition followed in Tirumala. He questioned why such rule exists only in Tirumala, as no church or mosque insist on such affirmation of belief. He berated the traditions and practices followed by Tirumala temple. He went on to describe TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu as “a cunning fox which talks on Zoom while sitting in Hyderabad”. Demanding scrapping of the declaration system, he called for amendments to the laws concerned if necessary for this purpose.
While speaking to another channel, Kodali Nani berated the Hindu religion itself. “I and Chandrababu can go into sanctum sanctorum, but people from lower castes should stay outside. That is why lower caste people are vexed with Hindu religion,” he said and blamed traditions in Hindu religion for religion conversions.
Nani dismissed criticism over burning of chariot and missing of silver lions. “So what if chariot is burnt? The government allocated Rs 1 crore. The God has nothing to lose. The missing silver lions will cost hardly Rs. 5 -6 lakhs. What will happen if they are stolen? Those who have stolen them will construct a building with them or what? What will happen if a hand of Hanuman idol is broken?” he said carelessly.
Loathsome comments
It is not clear whether he made these remarks in a right mind or not. There is no discrimination in temples based on caste. He is suggesting it is better for lower caste people and Dalits to leave Hindu religion. It is disgusting to ask what the God will lose if temples are looted, chariots are burnt or idols are broken. If he was sensible enough, he would have confined himself to his opinions on declaration row only. The minister crossed the line by blaming Hindu religion for conversions and making false allegations on the non-existent discrimination in temples.
It may be necessary for him to support YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to the hilt to prove his loyalty and love of the leader or for his political future, but throwing mud on Hindu religion is unjustified and unpardonable.
Deceptive appearance
Kodali Nani wears rudrakshas and three-four lockets of various gods and talisman on his neck and moves around displaying them without buttoning his shirt. He also presents himself as an ardent follower of Hinduism by wearing strings of different colours to his two wrists. Moreover, he is frequently seen in bald by getting himself tonsured in temples. Overall, he makes people believe that he is an ardent devotee. But his true colours are revealed once he opens his mouth. His hatred of Hinduism, his desire for mass religious conversions, his wish to see more idols destroyed and temples looted tumble out of his mouth.
Irreparable loss to Jagan only
Whoever makes the comments, people think that the script is provided by the YSRCP leadership. It is time YSRCP leaders analysed the impact of Nani’s offensive comments. It will be Jagan Mohan Reddy who has to pay the price for his minister’s outbursts. He has to introspect and take a decision on these comments with the wisdom warranted by the circumstances.