In a subtle jab at former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Pawan Kalyan remarked that those who commit such “crimes” lack both faith in God and fear of the consequences.
Pawan Kalyan claimed that the temple administrators either failed to uncover the issue or were too “afraid” to speak up, fearing the “demonic rulers” in power at the time.
In what appears to be a pointed criticism of former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has vowed to undertake an 11-day penance after learning about the alleged use of animal fat in the sacred Tirumala Tirupati laddu prasadam.
Taking to social media platform X, Kalyan expressed his shock over the allegations, calling it “a stain on the Hindu race.” He stated that the revered Tirumala Laddu Prasadam, considered sacred by millions, has been desecrated by the “depraved actions” of the previous rulers.
“Learning about this grievous act of impurity left me in utter shock. This sin was committed under our noses, and not being able to detect it sooner weighs heavily on my conscience. This is a stain on the entire Hindu community,” Kalyan wrote.
He announced his decision to begin a penance initiation on September 22, 2024, at Sri Dashavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Nambur, Guntur District. His penance will continue for 11 days before he visits the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
Kalyan’s post also took a direct swipe at Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration, accusing them of allowing adulterated ghee to be used in the sacred prasadam during their tenure. He alleged that temple authorities were either complicit or afraid to expose the truth due to the “demonic rulers” in charge at the time.
“The conduct of the previous regime, which disrespected the sanctity and spiritual duties of Tirumala, has caused immense distress to Hindus worldwide. The use of ghee containing animal remains in Laddu Prasadam has created widespread outrage. The time has come to take corrective action and restore Dharma,” Kalyan added.
On Friday, Kalyan called for the establishment of a national-level ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ to address issues plaguing Hindu temples. He urged strict action against those responsible for the desecration and called for broader discussions involving policymakers, citizens, the judiciary, and religious leaders to prevent future incidents of religious desecration.
