SIT found that 5,971 tonnes of adulterated ghee were supplied to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams between 2019 & 2024, but no evidence of animal fat, such as fish oil or lard.
The 395 square metre land has been allocated to build facilities like parking space, info centre, etc. A 648 square metre plot was leased out in 2019 for Balaji temple construction.
In 2017, Punjab-domiciled officer became the first ‘north Indian’ to be appointed TTD administrative head. His reappointment to the post now has raised eyebrows in Andhra Pradesh.
CM’s statement is an endorsement of TTD's action in February, when it barred 18 non-Hindus from employment at the temple. TDP-led NDA govt had pursued the matter in previous term, too.
The announcement came amid protests from seers, Hindu groups in the temple town. Naidu, however, indicated lands could be given to the hotel firms at a different location in Tirupati.
Last week's Tirupati stampede, which resulted in deaths of six devotees, has revived criticism of decision to extend Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at Lord Venkateshwara temple to 10 days.
Religious freedom should include the right of institutions to not employ those who may be inimical to it, but in “secular” India it is apparently a pointer to Hindu bigotry.
Employment of non-Hindus has been a contentious issue at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which oversees the Tirumala temple, and across Andhra Pradesh.
The temple rituals take from multiple Hindu sects: Vaishnava, Shaiva, Kaumara, and Shakta. This integrated vision has made Tirupati the most popular temple of our time.
Subramaniam Swamy's petition, heard by SC Friday, cited ThePrint's report quoting TTD executive officer, saying ghee found to be contaminated was never used to make laddus.
Since the bulk of citizens did not regard drinking as a crime, they had no respect for the prohibition laws and did not cooperate with the police, wrote MV Venkata Rao in 1962.
We now live in a world order that will keep shifting. India must use this window. This also means we remain disciplined enough not to be knee-jerked into reacting to what Pakistan sees as its moment in the sun.
COMMENTS