Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced that he will seek atonement for failing to identify animal fat in the laddu prasadam given at the Tirumala Tirupati temple. In a post on X, he expressed his shock at the alleged use of animal fat, describing it as “a stain on the Hindu race.”

“Tirumala Laddu Prasadam, which is considered to be sacred, has become impure as a result of the depraved tendencies of the past rulers. Not being able to detect this sin in the beginning is a stain on the Hindu race. The moment I came to know that the laddu prasadam contained animal remains, I was shocked. Feeling guilty. As I am fighting for the welfare of the people, it hurts me that such trouble did not come to my attention in the beginning,” Kalyan wrote on X.

He said that anyone who believes in Sanatana Dharma should atone for this “terrible injustice” done to the God of Kali Yuga. “As part of that, I decided to do a penance initiation. On 22nd September 2024, Sunday morning, I will take initiation in Sri Dashavatara Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Nambur, Guntur District. After continuing the initiation for 11 days, I will visit Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy,” the post added.

Referring to the alleged use of adulterated ghee during former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration, Kalyan said that those involved in such practices have “no faith in God and no fear” of committing these “crimes.” He claimed that even the temple administrators either failed to uncover the issue or were “afraid” to address it due to the influence of the “demonic rulers” of that time.

“It seems that they were afraid of the demonic rulers of that time. The behaviour of the past rulers who committed acts of blasphemy to the sanctity, pedagogy, and religious duties of Tirumala, which is considered Vaikuntha Dham, has hurt everyone who follows Hindu dharma. And the fact that ghee containing animal remains was used in the preparation of Laddu Prasad caused a great uproar. The time has come to take steps towards restoring Dharma,” he added.

On Friday, Kalyan called for the establishment of a “Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board” at the national level to address all issues concerning Hindu temples. He pledged strict action against those involved and stressed the importance of discussions among policymakers, citizens, and the judiciary regarding the protection against religious desecration.