On Friday, September 20th, Andhra Pradesh minister and Janasena party leader Pawan Kalyan called for the creation of a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at the national level amidst the controversy over adulterated ghee being used in the sacred Tirupati laddus.
Kalyan expressed his concern on X, stating, “The discovery of animal fats such as fish oil, pork fat, and beef fat in the Tirupati Balaji Prasad has deeply disturbed us all. The TTD board, appointed by the YCP government, must answer these questions. Our government is dedicated to taking the strictest actions possible.”
He further added, “This incident highlights broader issues related to the desecration of temples, land disputes, and other religious practices. It may be time to establish a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at the national level to address these matters concerning temples across India.”
Kalyan also emphasized the need for a national debate on this matter involving policymakers, religious leaders, judiciary, citizens, and the media to protect Sanatana Dharma from any form of desecration.
We are all deeply disturbed with the findings of animal fat (fish oil,pork fat and beef fat )mixed in Tirupathi Balaji Prasad. Many questions to be answered by the TTD board constituted by YCP Govt then. Our Govt is committed to take stringent action possible.
But,this throws… https://t.co/SA4DCPZDHy— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) September 20, 2024
Earlier, at a legislature party meeting in Vijayawada on Wednesday, marking 100 days of the NDA rule in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSR Congress Party government of allowing adulterated ghee with animal fat to be used in the prasadam at the Tirumala temple. His claims ignited a political controversy across the country.
YSR Congress Party leaders Y V Subba Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, both former heads of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, refuted Naidu’s claims. Subba Reddy remarked, “Chandrababu Naidu has damaged the sanctity of Tirumala and hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindus. His accusations are baseless and malicious.”
Reddy challenged Naidu, offering to take an oath before Lord Venkateswara to affirm their innocence, and questioned whether Naidu and his family would do the same.
Karunakar Reddy called the allegations an attack on the Hindu community and emphasized that the Tirumala Prasadam is prepared by Srivaishnava community members, dismissing any wrongdoing by the TTD board or officials.
On Thursday, September 19th, TDP spokesperson Anam Venkatararamana Reddy presented documents he claimed were from the National Dairy Development Board, revealing that tests had confirmed the presence of beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in the Tirupati prasadam.
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