Central Minister Bandi Sanjay has made a pointed comparison between YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the infamous sandalwood smuggler Veerappan. Bandi Sanjay claimed that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) had been under the control of Veerappan's successors until now. He likened the YSRCP to red sandalwood plunderers. 'We all know the power of Lord Venkateshwara,' he said. 'Those people have looted thousands of crores worth of public property, going so far as to take loans for running the government. Their rule was condemnable.'
'In recent days, Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan have also spoken on this issue. We will bring this to the attention of Home Minister Amit Shah. Those who steal the public's money in the name of red sandalwood smuggling will not be spared. We are here to protect the people and their sentiments.'
Central Minister Bandi Sanjay arrived at Tirumala Tirupati Temple on Thursday morning. The temple authorities had prepared for his visit. After his pilgrimage, the Central Minister spoke to the media, criticizing the previous Jagan Mohan government by claiming that TTD had become a rehabilitation center for politically unemployed individuals.
It is worth noting that former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has been targeted for his lavish palaces and extravagant residences. The 'Hill Palace' has become a topic of discussion in Andhra Pradesh politics. The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has levelled serious accusations against ex-Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. TDP alleged that Jagan had spent 500 crores on erecting a majestic palace on Rushikonda Hill in Visakhapatnam, attempting to conceal it with large barricades.
Andhra Pradesh's financial condition is precarious, with debt far exceeding a reasonable proportion of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The release of photos of the Rushikonda Hill Palace has escalated political controversies. Discussions about the palace's opulent amenities are widespread. TDP claims that the palace includes a bathtub costing 40 lakhs and a commode priced at 12 lakhs.
