In a scathing critique of former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, YSR Congress Party leader and former minister Ambati Rambabu has accused him of being a blatant opportunist, willing to go to any lengths for power. Speaking to the media in Guntur on Thursday, Rambabu addressed concerns surrounding the Tirumala Mahaprasadam, following revelations from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) report that highlighted Naidu’s misleading claims.
Rambabu asserted that Naidu had engaged in a smear campaign regarding the famed Tirumala laddus, alleging that the former chief minister falsely propagated that animal fats were mixed with the ghee used in the preparation of these offerings. “We are ready to face any cases you file against us, but the spread of such falsehoods is unacceptable,” he emphasized. He further stated that Naidu’s actions were indicative of his desperate quest for power, reiterating that the CBI’s findings unequivocally cleared the prasadam of any contamination.
Rambabu challenged Naidu’s ethics, questioning, “Can you use Lord Venkateswara as a pawn for your political games? The sins committed during your tenure are now being thrust upon us. Will Lord Venkateswara forgive you for this?” His comments suggest a deep frustration with what he perceives as a misuse of religious sentiments for political gain.
Moreover, the former minister criticized Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, claiming that he is ineffective in politics and lacks the necessary intelligence to navigate such complex issues. Rambabu called for Kalyan to acknowledge his mistakes and seek forgiveness at Tirumala, emphasizing the importance of accountability in leadership.
The ongoing tensions between the YSR Congress Party and Naidu’s party reflect the broader political landscape in Andhra Pradesh, where accusations and counter-accusations have become commonplace. The CBI’s report has provided a new focal point for these disputes, with both sides leveraging the findings to bolster their respective narratives.
As the political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how Naidu will respond to these latest allegations and whether he will address the concerns raised by Rambabu. The upcoming political maneuvers could significantly influence the dynamics in Andhra Pradesh, especially with the upcoming elections on the horizon.
In a state where religious sentiments intertwine with political aspirations, the stakes are high. The question remains: will Naidu manage to salvage his reputation in the face of these accusations, or will this be another chapter in a long history of political strife in Andhra Pradesh?