Tirupati: A floral decorative arch displaying the letter 'J' and a 'Gun' symbol at the Tataiahgunta Gangamma temple here on the occasion of the Gangamma Jatara went viral on social media, resulting in a controversy targeting the ruling YSR Congress party.
Social media was full with accusations that the YSRC showed no concern for the sentiments of the devotees, while others chastised the ruling party for seeking political mileage in every move.
Netizens felt that the floral arch was highly political with the letter ‘J’ and a ‘Gun’ symbol (referring to the name Jagan) displayed in the centre of the arch put up at the temple on the occasion of Ganga Jatara.
City MLA Bhumana Karunakar was instrumental in having the Tirupati Gangamma Jatara festival designated as a state festival. He was supervising the arrangements from the beginning.
The controversy erupted after Telugu Desam chief Chandrababu Naidu tweeted the image of the floral arch with a tagline #AntiHinduJagan. Naidu slammed those responsible for promoting a “bad culture” at the renowned Tataiahgunta Gangamma temple. He wondered how they were going to justify the 'gun' symbol in the floral arch.
Jana Sena Tirupati in-charge Kiran Royal also chastised the Gangamma Jatara organisers for “going out of their way” in their efforts to "display" their Swamy-Bhakti.
