Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh has leveled strong accusations, claiming that several leaders from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) were deeply involved in the reported theft of foreign currency, estimated at ₹100 crore, from the sacred ‘Parakamani’ hall of the Tirumala temple. Speaking on Saturday, Mr. Lokesh promised that the complete narrative of the ‘sins’ allegedly committed by the YSRCP between 2019 and 2024 would soon be revealed.
In a public statement shared on X, the Minister asserted that the YSRCP’s time in power was defined by widespread lawlessness. He described Andhra Pradesh as a breeding ground for mafia bosses, thieves, and other criminals who not only exploited natural resources like mines, land, and forests but also preyed upon the populace.
Mr. Lokesh further alleged that these individuals showed no reverence, even daring to pilfer from the wealth dedicated to Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala. He pointedly suggested that these illicit activities had the apparent support of the then Chief Minister, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and the then Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy.
The IT Minister claimed that the stolen funds were subsequently channeled into real estate investments. He indicated that the alleged perpetrators themselves had hinted that both the former Chief Minister and other conspirators received their share, with Mr. Karunakar Reddy reportedly acting as the key facilitator.
Furthermore, Mr. Lokesh stated that following the discovery of the theft, Mr. Karunakar Reddy and his associates attempted to settle the matter through a Lok Adalat. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and the scandal could not be suppressed.
Even more shocking, according to the Minister, were allegations of adulterating the sacred Tirumala laddu, a revered offering for devotees worldwide, and the commercialization of ‘darshans’ (sacred viewing), which made it incredibly difficult for ordinary devotees to have a glimpse of the deity.
In conclusion, Mr. Lokesh criticized Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his party for disregarding the counsel of N. Chandrababu Naidu, who, as the then Leader of the Opposition, had advised against interfering with the sacred affairs of the TTD. He implied that the YSRCP’s refusal to heed this warning ultimately led to their downfall.