Former priest ruining own name: TTD JEO

Tirupati: TTD joint executive officer K.S. Srinivasa Raju on Friday denied allegations made by former head priest Dr A.V. Ramana Deekshitulu, and asked him to “come out of the (cloud of) lies.”

Speaking to mediapersons at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala,  Mr Raju said, “All the allegations he made are definitely false. Bringing the name of the Chief Minister or some ‘madam’ may not bring seriousness to the allegations, he should remember that... I request Dr Deekshitulu to spend the rest of his life peacefully,” Mr Raju said. “Serving that Lord all these years 

Dr Deekshitulu has earned very good fame. By making false allegations he is losing it.” 

He said the jewelllery of Lord Venkateswara were being verified every year. “Our chief accounts officer spends about 20 days every year verifying the jewels. We are ready for an inquiry,” Mr Raju said.

He said the repairs to the Prasadam Potu had taken place in 2001. A fire accident occurred in 2007, and renovation work was done in 2008. “During those times the prasadams of the lord were made at that Padi Potu. This is what happened this year too,” Dr Raju said.

Responding to the allegations that the Potu was dug in a hunt for hidden treasure, Mr Raju said, “When 

Dr Deekshitulu had expressed doubts over the digging of the Prasadam Potu, the engineers and I had went inside the Potu along with him. He inspected the Potu and expressed no doubts.”

He said a pillar in the Potu was damaged, L&T experts had inspected it and suggested a replacement. “Dr Deekshitulu did not accept it. Who would have take the responsibility if any mishap had occurred? Would he have taken responsibility? Dr Deekshitulu is aware of the facts but is misleading the public with his personal agenda, Dr Raju said.

He said the TTD had approached Agama adviser Sundara Varadarajan who had given his approval in writing. 

Deekshitulu justifies anil’s presence

 TTD retired Pradhana Archaka Dr A.V. Ramana Deekshitulu on Friday justified the presence of one B. Anil, said to be working with a Christian charity, at his media conference on Wednesday.

Anil was seen standing behind Dr Deekshitulu and his presence caused a furore. On Friday, Dr Deekshitulu released a press statement saying, “Mr Anil and four others had approached me saying that they would file a PIL on behalf of the public. I had no need to verify their caste or religion.”

“Every Indian has the right to fight in court. Every Indian has the right to question about the jewels of the Lord,” he said.