Did TDP Introduce the Culture of Animal Sacrifices?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- TDP accused of initiating animal sacrifice culture.
- YSRCP leader defends against allegations, citing historical context.
- Political climate in Andhra Pradesh becoming increasingly tense.
- Public opinion divided on the issue.
- Potential implications for future elections.
Amaravati, Dec 28 (NationPress) Former Minister and YSR Congress Party leader Perni Venkataramaiah claimed that the Telugu Desam Party is the originator of the tradition of animal sacrifices and blood rituals at flex boards, and is now unjustly accusing YSRCP to distract the public from the shortcomings of the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh.
Perni Nani, as he is commonly referred to, criticized the TDP-led coalition government for engaging in what he termed “diversionary and vindictive politics.”
He expressed concerns that the coalition has created a climate of fear, vendetta, and institutional deterioration.
Perni Nani pointed out that while Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Home Minister Anitha are vocally accusing YSRCP of “blood rituals” near flex banners, it is important to note that such activities were previously conducted by TDP supporters during film launches, birthdays of leaders, and election festivities.
He recounted examples where animal sacrifices and blood offerings were publicly performed near TDP leaders' flexes, including during Balakrishna’s film releases and Chandrababu Naidu’s birthday celebrations, without any repercussions at the time. The YSRCP leader raised questions about the sudden criminalization of these actions now that YSRCP supporters are involved, highlighting the selective outrage and targeted policing used for political intimidation.
Perni Nani's remarks came in response to the detention of YSRCP workers in two separate events over the past week, accused of animal sacrifice in front of a poster of former Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Seven YSRCP members were taken into custody for allegedly slaughtering a sheep and using its blood for an abhishekam ritual with Jagan’s poster as part of his birthday celebrations in Chodavaram, Nallajerla mandal of East Godavari district on December 21.
On December 23, another seven individuals were arrested in Bhanukota village, Kanaganipalli mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district for a similar incident.
The accused reportedly shouted slogans of ‘Rappa Rappa’, and the poster indicated there would be a ‘Gangamma Jatara’ if Jagan returns to power in 2029. These slogans reference the film ‘Pushpa 2’, where the hero Allu Arjun threatens his adversaries with slaughtering them like sheep during a temple festival.
In response to these incidents, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that violence instigated by YSRCP supporters is escalating. He stated that by performing animal sacrifices and pouring blood on the poster, YSRCP aims to instill fear.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha showcased videos of the violent celebrations, asserting that it has become routine for YSRCP supporters to threaten violence, sacrifice animals, and wield dangerous weapons during their celebrations.
However, Perni Nani vehemently objected to the manner in which police apprehended and publicly shamed YSRCP members, parading them through the streets as if they were criminals. He questioned the justification for such treatment and whether similar actions would be taken against those who conduct animal sacrifices during village festivals and jatras.
“If animal sacrifice is genuinely illegal,” he asked, “will the government enforce a uniform ban across the state, or is the law designed solely to target the opposition?”