A cheap political controversy from MLC Duvvada Srinivas Rao to justify the birthday cake-cutting episode at Tirumala by dragging TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu into the debate.
The controversy was began after a birthday celebration involving Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 fame Thanuja Puttaswamy at Tirumala, where an eggless cake was cut and the video circulated on social media.
Tirumala is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage centers, governed by strict customs and long-standing spiritual protocols. Activities like birthday parties, cake cutting, and celebrations within the temple premises are clearly against these established norms.
Instead of acknowledging the mistake, Duvvada Srinivas Rao chose a different route. He questioned why action was being taken over the cake-cutting video while referring to alleged personal controversies involving TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu. His argument essentially suggested that if others are accused of wrongdoing, then actions like the Tirumala celebration should not be treated as serious.
Supporters of the TTD administration point out that B.R. Naidu has consistently maintained that allegations against him are politically motivated. More importantly, enforcement of temple rules cannot be diluted because of unrelated political mudslinging.
The larger question remains clear: Tirumala’s traditions are not negotiable. Political diversions cannot be used to defend actions that undermine the spiritual discipline of one of India’s most revered temples.
