In a move that reignited political and religious debates in Andhra Pradesh, Polena Anjana Pavanovich Konidela, the younger daughter of Jana Sena Party chief and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, signed the customary religious declaration form at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) on October 1, 2024. Accompanied by her father and elder sister Adya, Anjana, a minor, signed the form required for non-Hindu visitors, with Pawan Kalyan co-signing as her guardian.

The declaration, which asserts the visitor’s faith in Lord Venkateswara despite not adhering to the Hindu religion, is a routine protocol for non-Hindus entering the temple. Anjana, who follows the Christian faith from her mother Anna Lezhinova’s side, made her first public appearance in this context, drawing significant media attention.

Pawan Kalyan’s visit to Tirumala comes amidst growing political scrutiny over religious declarations. Notably, this incident echoes a controversy from the past involving YSR Congress Party chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy. During his time in office, Jagan, a practicing Christian, faced significant opposition from the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-Jana Sena-BJP alliance for not submitting the declaration. The issue led to public protests and political drama, with some YSRCP leaders being placed under house arrest to prevent escalation.

In addition to the religious declaration matter, Pawan Kalyan is also in Tirumala for a “Prayaschitha Deeksha” – an atonement ritual. This follows revelations by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu about ghee adulteration in the sacred Tirupati Laddu Prasadams during the YSRCP regime. As part of the Deeksha, Pawan Kalyan began a sacred trek from Alipiri to Tirumala, engaging in special pujas and rituals. His visit is expected to conclude with a public meeting in Tirupati on Thursday.

With the Tirumala controversy making headlines, it raises broader questions about religious identity and political accountability in Andhra Pradesh, especially at a time when faith and governance intersect so prominently in the state’s discourse.

This ongoing saga highlights the deep cultural and political sensitivities surrounding religious practices, with leaders from different backgrounds being scrutinized for their personal faith and public actions.

Sources:

• Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Declaration Reports.
• Andhra Pradesh Political Updates.