Whenever his political rivals tried to kick up controversy over his Christian faith, YSR Congress party president and chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy proved that as a ruler, he is a secular leader and he gives equal importance to all religions.
Remember, when there was a lot of hue and cry over declaration of faith in Lord Venkateshwara during his visit to Tirumala to participate in Brahmotsavams, Jagan strictly followed all Hindu traditions, right from wearing typical dhoti, wearing Thiru Namam, carrying the silk clothes of Lord on his head and obtaining Veda Asheerwachanam.
Lately, the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have tried to kick up yet another controversy over Jagan government’s decision to launch its flagship programme of house sites distribution for weaker sections on December 25, coinciding with Christmas, though the day also marks the celebration of Mukkoti Vaikuntha Ekadasi.
Amidst this controversy, Jagan on Friday once again followed typical Hindu traditions in kickstarting the Tungabhadra Pushkarams in Kurnool district.
He sported traditional attire, including dhoti, and walked up to the pushkar ghat without wearing chappals.
The chief minister offered flowers to Tungabhadra river and wore the turban tied on his head by Vedic purohits, before offering silk clothes to the river on behalf of the government. He performed pujas and offered Haarathi and other rituals to the river.
Jagan worshipped Lord Pushkara of Tungabhadra river and prayed for the welfare and prosperity of the people of the state in the coming days.
Later, he took part in the Yagnam held in Pushkara Yagashala and offered Purnahuti to the fire, amidst chanting of Vedic hymns.
He also took the Veda Asheerwachanam from priests before leaving for the Kurnool airport. So, where is the scope for questioning his faith in Hindu religion?
