The ISKCON temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, received its fourth bomb threat in three days on Sunday, prompting authorities to increase security measures. While the threats turned out to be hoaxes, police are actively investigating the origins of these alarming emails, which have also targeted hotels and the airport in the city.
India faced a wave of bomb threats on October 24 and 25, targeting both hotels in Tirupati and numerous flights across various airlines. While the hotel threats proved to be a hoax, authorities are investigating their origin. Meanwhile, airlines continue to grapple with a surge in bomb threats, impacting operations and raising concerns about security.
Amidst controversy over alleged animal fat adulteration in Tirupati temple’s laddu, Andhra Pradesh police have imposed restrictions on gatherings, and the government has formed a special investigation team to probe the matter. Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is scheduled to visit the temple, leading to heightened security measures.
A devotee claims to have found tobacco in a Tirupati laddu, adding to the ongoing controversy surrounding the use of substandard ghee and animal fat in the temple’s offerings. Meanwhile, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued a show cause notice to a Tamil Nadu-based ghee supplier, while a purification ritual was conducted at the temple.
The Karnataka government has directed all temples in the state to use only Nandini Ghee, produced by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), for making ‘Prasada’ after a controversy erupted over the use of animal fat in Tirupati temple laddoos. The decision follows allegations by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu that subpar ingredients were used during the previous administration. This move aims to ensure the quality of ‘Prasada’ and address concerns regarding the use of animal fat in religious offerings.
India’s leading airline, IndiGo, is expanding its network with a new route connecting Delhi to Tirupati, a prominent religious destination. The airline is also increasing flight frequencies on its Delhi-Aizawl and Delhi-Dimapur routes, enhancing connectivity in the Northeast. This move reflects the rising demand for spiritual tourism and the airline’s commitment to connecting key destinations.
Pilgrimage tourism in India is experiencing a resurgence, with travel agencies reporting a surge in demand ranging from 30% to 100% compared to last summer. Despite the heat, travelers are flocking to popular pilgrimage destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Uttarakhand, the Char Dham circuit, and Tirupati. Hotel companies are also benefiting from the increased demand, with Sarovar Hotels & Resorts projecting a significant contribution from religious and pilgrimage travel. The hotel industry is expected to record a 7-9% revenue growth in FY25, underpinned by domestic leisure travel, including pilgrimage tourism.
Tirupati witnessed a massive influx of supporters as TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and JSP chief Pawan Kalyan held a joint public address. The kilometer-long stretch from Sri Krishnadevaraya Junction to Nalugukalla Mandapam centre was packed with enthusiastic crowds. Despite a delay in the roadshow’s commencement, the leaders’ arrival was met with great excitement. However, brief power outages plunged the area into darkness, prompting allegations of deliberate sabotage. Six corporators from the ruling YSRCP have now joined the JSP, further bolstering the opposition’s presence in Tirupati. In their speeches, both Naidu and Pawan Kalyan strongly criticized the current administration, with Pawan Kalyan accusing TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy of amassing wealth and urging voters to donate any electoral cash they receive to the ‘Srivari Hundi.’ Naidu emphasized the importance of keeping ‘thieves’ away from the temple city to protect its sanctity. The roadshow showcased a strong alliance between the TDP and JSP and highlighted the growing public discontent with the incumbent government.
