After laddu row, AP sets up SIT to probe Tirupati 'irregularities'

VIJAYAWADA/TIRUPATI: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu Sunday announced constitution of a SIT headed by an inspector-general rank officer to probe alleged irregularities in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) during YSRCP regime. Naidu took the decision over the alleged use of ghee adulterated with animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati laddus.

Naidu said no one involved in the "irregularities" will be spared after govt gets the SIT report. He said former CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy should have kept away from Tirumala temple if he had no faith in the religion. He also alleged that Jagan's decision to appoint "non-believers" of Hindu religion as TTD chairpersons led to the chaos at the holy shrine.

Naidu said TTD will perform 'Santhi homam' for purification of the temple from Monday. 'Panchagavya Samprokshana' will also be taken up to cleanse premises of Lord Sri Venkateswara temple.

Naidu alleged Jagan had deliberately caused irreparable damage to the reputation of the temple, adding that people voted for Jagan in 2019 to govern the state well and not play with sentiments of followers of the religion, in which he doesn't have any faith. "Sentiments of millions of devotees across the globe are hit due to YSRCP govt's arrogance. Jagan is still trying to defend his 'misdeeds'. He should tender an open apology to Hindus across the globe," he said.

Meanwhile, Jagan Sunday wrote to PM Narendra Modi urging him to take swift action against "baseless allegations" made by Naidu regarding TTD and the Tirupati laddu, even as deputy CM and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan began his 11-day Prayaschitta Diksha (penance for atonement), seeking forgiveness over the alleged adulteration of the laddu prasadam.

In his letter, Jagan condemned Naidu for allegedly spreading malicious propaganda about the purity of the ghee used in preparation of the laddus. He pointed out that Naidu's "reckless and politically motivated" statements have hurt sentiments of devotees and tarnished the sanctity of the world-renowned TTD.

Kalyan began his Prayaschitta Diksha at Sri Dasavatara Venkateswara Swamy temple at Namburu, where he will offer prayers seeking forgiveness and visit Tirumala temple to relinquish the diksha. He called the alleged adultration of laddus a vile act and criticised YSRCP govt for distributing them to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya.