Religious row erupts over Aluru MLA’s ritual act

Kurnool:Devotees and Hindu organisations raised objections against YSRC leader and Aluru MLA Busine Virupakshi for placing the mangalasutram on the Seethamma idol immediately after receiving it from the priest during the ceremonial wedding on Rama Navami. The MLA later issued a public apology through a video message.

The Sita Rama Kalyanam was held on Sunday night on Rama Navami day at the Anjaneya Swamy temple in Kondaveedhi, the hometown of Virupakshi in Chippagiri. Attending as the chief guest in his capacity as MLA, Virupakshi participated in the ceremony. As part of the Kalyanam ritual, Vedic scholars handed him the mangalasutram, which he was supposed to place around Sitamma’s neck with devotion. However, he tied it around the idol’s neck abruptly, all at once. This act was initially welcomed by the gathered devotees and Vedic scholars, who cheered and applauded.

However, after videos of the act went viral on social media, several Hindu devotees and religious organisations expressed anger, stating that the MLA’s action went against traditional norms. They demanded that he apologise for the inappropriate handling of the ritual.

Responding to public sentiment and criticism, Virupakshi released a video message offering an open apology. The MLA clarified that he had followed the instructions given by the priests and added that if any mistake was committed unintentionally, he sincerely sought forgiveness.