Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed deep remorse for failing to detect the alleged use of animal fat in the sacred Tirumala Tirupati temple’s Laddu prasadam, calling it a “stain on the Hindu race.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kalyan shared his shock upon learning of the alleged use of animal fat, describing it as a grave sin that escaped his attention. He stated his guilt over the incident, emphasizing the need for atonement for this “terrible injustice” done to the sanctity of the temple and Sanatana Dharma.
Kalyan announced that he will undergo penance initiation starting on September 22, 2024, at the Sri Dashavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Guntur District, continuing the initiation for 11 days before visiting Tirumala. He urged followers of Sanatana Dharma to atone alongside him for what he described as a betrayal of religious purity.
Referring to the alleged use of adulterated ghee during the tenure of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Kalyan criticized the previous rulers, accusing them of blasphemy and of failing to protect the sanctity of Tirumala. He stated that the temple administrators may have been too afraid to speak out against the past rulers, whom he referred to as “demonic.”
Kalyan also called for the formation of a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at the national level, tasked with addressing issues related to Hindu temples and ensuring stringent action against those responsible for such desecration. He emphasized the need for wider discussion among policymakers, the judiciary, and citizens to prevent further religious violations.
