Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Begins 11-Day Fast Over Tirupati Laddu Controversy
Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 22: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has started an 11-day ‘Prayaschitta Diksha’ at Sri Dasavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Guntur. This penance is in response to the alleged use of animal fat in the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam given at the Tirumala Temple in Tirupati.
In a post on X, Pawan Kalyan announced his decision to fast for 11 days to seek forgiveness from Lord Balaji. He expressed his deep hurt over the alleged impurity in the prasad and stated that he feels cheated. He vowed to complete his atonement by visiting Tirupati on October 1 and 2 for a personal darshan of the Lord.
Janasena Party leader Pawan Kalyan revealed his shock and guilt upon learning about the alleged use of animal fat in the sacred laddu prasadam. He criticized the previous government for this act and expressed his regret for not detecting it earlier.
Earlier, the Telangana Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanded strict action against those involved. VHP Vice President Ram Singh called for immediate arrests and punishment, alleging that the use of animal fat was for business purposes.
The controversy arose after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government. Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the Telegu Desam Party (TDP) of politicizing religious matters.
Doubts Revealed
Deputy CM -: Deputy CM stands for Deputy Chief Minister. He is the second-highest-ranking official in the state government, just below the Chief Minister.
Pawan Kalyan -: Pawan Kalyan is a famous actor and politician in Andhra Pradesh. He is also the Deputy Chief Minister of the state.
11-Day Fast -: An 11-day fast means not eating any food for 11 days. People sometimes do this to show they are serious about something.
Tirupati Laddu -: Tirupati Laddu is a special sweet given as a blessing (prasadam) at the Tirupati temple. It is very famous and loved by many people.
Sri Dasavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple -: This is a temple in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, where people go to pray and seek blessings from Lord Venkateswara.
Atonement -: Atonement means making up for something wrong you did. Pawan Kalyan is fasting to show he is sorry for the controversy.
Darshan -: Darshan means seeing a holy person or deity. Pawan Kalyan wants to visit the Tirupati temple to see Lord Balaji.
Telangana Vishwa Hindu Parishad -: This is a group in Telangana that works to protect Hindu values and traditions.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy -: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is a politician and the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
