Karunakar Reddy performs ‘homam’ over Tirumala prasadam issue

Former TTD Trust Board Chairman and YSR Congress Party district president Bhumana Karunakar Reddy conducted ‘Srinivasa Prasada Ninda Parihara Homam’ at his office premises here on Friday, seeking atonement for the disgrace allegedly caused to Lord Srinivasa’s laddu prasadam.

Mr. Karunakar Reddy had earlier announced that he would perform the ritual after the Special Investigation Team formed under the CBI to probe the ghee adulteration case reportedly found no evidence of animal fats in the prasadam, contrary to allegations made by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.

Speaking to the media later, he described as malicious the Chief Minister’s casual assertion that animal fats had been used in the preparation of the sacred offering during the previous regime.

“One thoughtless statement has created ripples across the globe and caused pain in the hearts of millions of staunch devotees of Lord Venkateswara. This was followed by a temple steps cleansing programme by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, symbolising repentance. How far can anyone go to use Tirumala as a platform for political gain,” he asked.

Mr. Karunakar Reddy further observed that the ghee supplier in question had been supplying large quantities since 2013, including during the TDP tenure from 2014 to 2019, and questioned why no action had been taken against the allegedly tainted supplier at that time.

Meanwhile, YSRCP leaders alleged that some youth belonging to NDA parties had gathered near the venue of the homam in an apparent attempt to disrupt the ritual. However, party cadre intervened and prevented any disturbance.