Outcry Over Sacred Trust: CPI Demands Justice in TTD Parakamani Scam

It’s truly disheartening, isn't it, when institutions held in such high regard, places of immense faith and devotion, suddenly find themselves embroiled in controversy? That's precisely the sentiment many are feeling as the alleged 'Parakamani' scam at the sacred Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) continues to unfold. The Communist Party of India (CPI) certainly isn't mincing words, expressing profound outrage and unequivocally demanding swift, stringent punishment for everyone involved in what they describe as a betrayal of millions of devotees.

During a recent interaction with the press in Tirupati, the CPI state secretary, K. Ramakrishna, spoke with considerable passion. He laid bare his party's deep concern over the alleged irregularities in the counting of offerings – the 'Parakamani' – at the world-renowned temple. Imagine, pilgrims from every walk of life, meticulously saving, making sacrifices, and then pouring their hard-earned offerings, be it gold, silver, or cash, into the hundi, all as an act of faith. To then hear whispers, or indeed, loud accusations, of malpractices in their handling? It’s simply unacceptable, a profound breach of trust that truly wounds the collective spirit.

Ramakrishna didn't stop there, highlighting the profound implications of such a scam. "This isn't just a minor administrative oversight," he stressed, making it clear that the alleged irregularities concerning the gold and silver collected at the temple are a grave matter. The sheer magnitude of TTD's operations and the immense devotion it commands mean that any blot on its integrity resonates deeply, not just locally, but across the globe where its influence is felt. The CPI is therefore pushing hard for a comprehensive, impartial inquiry, even suggesting that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe might be the only way to truly get to the bottom of this mess and restore public confidence.

The secretary also took the opportunity to cast a critical eye on the broader governance of the TTD itself. He recalled past controversies, mentioning instances like the "dalit land scam" and the alleged alienation of temple lands – a stark reminder that issues of integrity aren't entirely new to the institution. His core argument? That political interference has no place in the sacred administration of the TTD. It’s a point many would readily agree with; after all, a religious body of this stature should ideally be managed by individuals whose primary qualifications are their expertise, integrity, and genuine devotion, not their political affiliations.

Instead of political appointees, Ramakrishna advocated for a more sensible approach: filling the TTD board with seasoned experts, respected scholars, and genuinely devout individuals. People who understand the traditions, the spiritual significance, and the intricate operations of such a large religious endowment. This, he believes, would go a long way in safeguarding the temple's sanctity and ensuring transparent, accountable management. It's a vision of governance rooted in service, rather than political patronage.

Ultimately, the CPI’s message is a powerful one: the government simply cannot afford to appear to be protecting the alleged culprits. The integrity of the TTD is paramount, and the faith of millions hangs in the balance. Only through a transparent investigation, coupled with severe punishment for those found guilty and a genuine commitment to systemic reform, can the divine sanctity of Tirumala truly be preserved and the trust of its countless devotees fully restored. It's a call for justice, certainly, but also a heartfelt plea for the very soul of a revered institution.