Tirupati Laddu adulteration: Pawan Kalyan takes up Prayaschitta Deeksha

In a move blending spirituality with political messaging, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has undertaken an 11-day penance in response to the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRCP government’s tenure, stirring both religious and political discourse across the state.

The move comes in the wake of allegations that the sacred laddus, prasadam at the Tirupati Venkateswara Swami Temple, were adulterated with animal fats, an issue that has ignited a firestorm of debate over religious sanctity and political accountability.

The NDA government in AP has constituted a special investigation team to probe the allegations of Tirupati Laddu adulteration.

Prayaschitta Deeksha

Mr. Pawan Kalyan’s penance, ‘Prayaschitta Deeksha,’ began at the Sri Dashavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Nambur. It extends through various religious sites and will culminate with a personal darshan at Tirumala.

As part of the Deeksha, Pawan Kalyan cleaned the steps at Vijayawada Durga temple.

According to Mr. Pawan Kalyan, this act of atonement is not just a personal vow but a public statement on the purity of Hindu practices, particularly hitting at the heart of what many consider a desecration of temple rituals.

Political opponents allege theatrics

While the act of penance carries deep spiritual significance, Mr. Kalyan’s opponents have charged that it is laden with political overtones.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s actions and statements have been interpreted as a direct critique of the previous YSRCP government, accusing it of negligence and corruption in temple management.