Congress Leader Pawan Khera Calls for Inquiry into Tirupati Temple Prasadam Controversy
New Delhi, India – Congress leader Pawan Khera has demanded a fast-track inquiry into the alleged use of ‘animal fat’ in the prasadam at Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple in Tirupati. Khera expressed his concerns over the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer’s denial of adulteration claims, which were initially made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Naidu had alleged that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government. In response, Surjit Singh Yadav, President of Hindu Sena Samiti, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has also taken action by starting an 11-day ‘Prayaschitta Diksha’ at Sri Dasavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Guntur. Kalyan announced on social media that he will fast for 11 days to seek forgiveness from Lord Balaji for the alleged impurity in the prasadam.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused the Telegu Desam Party (TDP) of politicizing religious matters in response to the controversy.
Doubts Revealed
Congress -: Congress is a major political party in India. It has been one of the oldest and most influential parties in the country.
Pawan Khera -: Pawan Khera is a leader in the Congress party. He speaks on behalf of the party on various issues.
Tirupati Temple -: Tirupati Temple, also known as Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple, is a famous Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. Many people visit it to pray and receive blessings.
Prasadam -: Prasadam is food that is offered to a deity in a temple and then distributed to the devotees. It is considered very holy and special.
Animal fat -: Animal fat is fat that comes from animals. In this context, it is controversial because prasadam is expected to be pure and vegetarian.
Andhra Pradesh -: Andhra Pradesh is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its rich culture and history.
Chandrababu Naidu -: Chandrababu Naidu is a politician and the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He is a member of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
PIL -: PIL stands for Public Interest Litigation. It is a legal action taken to protect the public interest, often related to social issues.
Special Investigation Team -: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is a group of experts formed to investigate serious cases. They look into the matter deeply to find the truth.
Deputy Chief Minister -: The Deputy Chief Minister is the second-highest-ranking official in a state government. They assist the Chief Minister in running the state.
Pawan Kalyan -: Pawan Kalyan is an actor and politician in Andhra Pradesh. He is also the leader of the Jana Sena Party.
11-day fast -: An 11-day fast means not eating food for 11 days. People sometimes do this to show their dedication or to protest.
Lord Balaji -: Lord Balaji is another name for Lord Venkateshwara, the main deity worshipped at the Tirupati Temple.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy -: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is the current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He is the leader of the YSR Congress Party.
TDP -: TDP stands for Telugu Desam Party. It is a regional political party in Andhra Pradesh.
