Pawan Kalyan reaches Tirupati temple on foot as penance amid Andhra Pradesh laddu row

Pawan Kalyan is on an 11-day penance over alleged adulteration of laddus at Tirupati temple, claiming it reflects broader issues in Hinduism.

Published on: Oct 2, 2024, 11:09:06 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday reached Tirumala on foot as part of his 11-day penance over the alleged adulteration of laddus or laddoos served at the Tirupati temple with animal fat. The actor-turned-politician undertook a three-hour foot march to the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala to position himself as a protector of the Sanatana Dharma.

Pawan Kalyan reached the Tirupati temple after a three-hour foot march. (Twitter: @JanaSenaParty)

"This is not just about one prasad issue (adulteration in laddus). Maybe it came out. Maybe this was a triggering point to initiate this," Kalyan told reporters before leaving for Tirumala.

"Prayaschitta Deeksha (penance) is a commitment to take forward Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) protection. (It) is very essential. That is the order of the day," he added.

The JanaSena party chief claims that the temple was desecrated continuously under the previous YSRCP government, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy. He said that these alleged desecrations should be addressed at a different level, and a national debate on this issue needs to be held.

Pawan Kalyan said his penance has entered the 10th day and after renouncing it on Thursday, a declaration would be released. Kalyan is calling for a permanent mechanism to address these issues, and they will unveil a roadmap for it on Wednesday.

Kalyan will return from Tirumala to Vijayawada on Thursday evening.

Also read: Pawan Kalyan warns film industry not to make light of Tirupati laddu row

Tirupati Temple Laddoo Row

The issue blew up after claims that the ghee used in the making of the Tirupati laddoos contained animal fa. Following the allegations, the Deputy Chief Minister has been on the warpath claiming that this happened during the previous regime. Championing the cause, he has also lashed out at politicians, actors, and other public figures who have spoken lightly of the issue.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had initially announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case, and if there were any irregularities in the Tirupati temple body.

However, the investigation was stalled after the Supreme Court asked the Centre who should be handling the probe.

Also read: Pawan Kalyan responds to Karthi's apology over his comment on Tirupati laddu row

The Chief Minister had said he would "clean up" the system, alleging that the irregularities had crept in during the rule of the YSRCP government's tenure. "Many not-so-sacred things were done at Tirumala" over the last five years, he had said.

Highlighting that lab reports on alleged adulterated ghee were 'not clear at all' and prima facie indicated that 'rejected ghee' was subjected to tests, the apex court observed that Gods must be kept away from politics, and also questioned Naidu's claims on animal fats being used during YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime to make Tirupati laddus.

Chandrababu Naidu's Allegations

During a recent NDA legislative party meeting in the southern state, Naidu had alleged that the erstwhile YSRCP government did not even spare Sri Venkateswara temple and used substandard ingredients and animal fats for making laddus, which are revered and sought after by crores of devotees.

The controversy started when Chandrababu Naidu alleged at an NDA Legislators meeting on September 18 that animal fat was used in making the prasad.

The next day, a lab report revealed that samples of ghee used in the preparation of the laddoos contained fish oil, beef tallow, and lard.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.