The ongoing debate around the Tirumala laddu issue has gone on for far too long.
Ending this chapter would actually benefit everyone involved. It would be good for the ruling alliance, good for the YSR Congress Party, and even better for Andhra Pradesh as a whole. Dragging the issue endlessly is helping no one, except political nuisance.
The truth is simple. The matter of allegedly reused or adulterated ghee from the past cannot be conclusively proved anymore.
No government, no inquiry, and no political party can fully undo the damage that has already happened. What can be done, however, is to act firmly on the findings of the SIT report.
If there are guilty parties named in the report, they must be punished strictly. Unfortunately, the way things are unfolding creates doubts.
People are beginning to suspect whether there is an attempt to quietly protect those named in the SIT report. This loss of trust is more dangerous than the original issue itself.
More than looking back, sincerity lies in looking ahead. The priority should be to ensure that such adulteration never happens again.
Strong systems must be put in place to prevent mixing or malpractice not only in ghee but in all materials used at Tirumala.
Middlemen and brokers who have entrenched themselves in temple-related supply chains must be identified and removed. That alone will restore faith.
Making loud promises or dramatic statements will not solve real problems.
Finally, political parties must remember one thing. If they ignore people’s daily issues and use sensitive matters only for political gain, they will be held accountable sooner or later.
Governance demands responsibility, not endless blame games. Ending the Tirumala laddu controversy with clear action and honest reform is the only sensible way forward.
Blaming each other, throwing cold water on every move and indulging in political mudslinging serves no real purpose. Instead, it directly harms the sanctity and decorum of the most revered temple.
Playing with matters of God and godliness never ends well for anyone. It does not help the state, the rulers, the opposition, or the people.
Faith is not a political tool and treating it like one only weakens public trust and moral responsibility. When sacred institutions are used for political battles, everyone loses in the long run.
What is needed is restraint, respect and a clear focus on protecting sanctity rather than scoring points. Only then can dignity of the TTD be restored and faith preserved.
Usha Chowdhary