VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday announced formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the desecration of Tirumala holy prasadam and adulteration of ghee and conduct of a Maha Shanti Yogam under Samprokashana (cleansing) rituals at the Tirumala hill.
He mentioned that devotees consider Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala their beloved deity and that no rulers have acted in a way that would harm Tirumala's sanctity until now. However, he accused the YSRC government of not sparing Lord Venkateswara either. The CM said conditions of all temples in the state will be reviewed and necessary action initiated to protect Hindu dharma and sanctity of temples.
Chandrababu Naidu announced a five-point action plan under which the conduct of Samprokshana is the first point at the Tirumala temple. Secondly, it will set up an SIT to probe the adulteration of ghee in laddu production. A special investigation team will be set up under the supervision of an Inspector General (IG) to examine the incident. They will complete their probe within a stipulated timeframe and submit a report to the government.
Under the third action plan measures will be taken to ensure that the management of every place of worship is conducted by followers of the respective faith. If necessary, we will introduce a new law for this purpose. In temples, mosques, and churches, precautions will be taken to follow traditional practices.
The Chief Minister said under the fourth action plan, in all temples, purification and cleansing ceremonies will be conducted according to traditional scriptures. Naidu said under the fifth action plan, we will conduct thorough studies on temple management and put in place a standard operating procedure. A committee will be set up for this purpose. Decisions will be made regarding the establishment of special queues to honour women," said the Chief Minister.
Chandrababu expressed anger over turning Tirumala into a political centre. He recalled the struggle when YSR's government attempted to lease seven hills and mentioned his own faith in Lord Venkateswara since childhood. He credited his survival in the Alipiri incident as a miracle by Lord Venkateswara. He asserted his belief in the Lord's power to settle everyone's accounts over time, criticising lack of attention to devotees' concerns over past five years.
Claiming that reverse tendering harmed laddu quality, Chandrababu stated that the Tirumala laddu has a unique significance and fragrance. Despite many attempts, no one could copyright the laddu due to its holy value. Major companies couldn't participate in the tender process. He accused the YSRC of tarnishing the temple's reputation since coming to power, turning trust board appointments into gambling, and commercial activities on Tirumala Hills. He also accused them of placing non-Hindus in TTD chairmanship roles and criticised indiscriminate sale of VIP tickets.
Chandrababu viewed the acts of trying to hide faults through counter-attacks as unforgivable crimes, questioning if Jagan intended to cover up the NDDB report. Not revealing such a report, he argued, keeps the truth from the public. There were incidents of laddus spoiling quickly and changing color, reflecting reduced quality.
Chandrababu said god gave him a chance to cleanse the institution, asking his EO to act accordingly, and commissioned the NDDB to test four tankers for ghee quality, revealing significant discrepancies. The EO issued notices to suppliers found at fault. A panel of experts was formed for further action, and new tenders were invited. Many developments and truths came to light following the takeover.
Criticizing Jagan's audacity to write a letter to the Prime Minister justifying mistakes, Chandrababu called Jagan as Pablo Escobar for being a criminal in disguise. He expressed anger over statements from the previous day. Highlighting lack of religious harmony under previous TTD chairman, he noted their conversion activities. As CM, he stated his responsibility to maintain religious harmony and perform duties to his chosen deity. He questioned the actions that hurt devotees' feelings under the YSRC regime, pointing out the issue of 3.75 lakh VIP tickets being distributed.
