DNA: Sacred City Tirupati Turns Into Liquor Hub, Naidu Govt Issues 227 Licenses |
The city of Tirupati, known as a major pilgrimage site, is at the center of this controversy. Reports indicate that over 200 licenses for alcohol shops have been issued in the Tirupati district, making it the highest in the entire state of Andhra Pradesh.The controversy over alcohol sales comes after recent scandal involving adulterated ‘prasadam’ (holy offerings) at the Tirumala. Temple, which sparked nationwide outrage.
In today’s news show DNA, our host, Anant Tyagi analyzed an issue that’s stirring significant debate: Why is alcohol being sold in places of worship?
DNA: Questions on Prasad, ruckus on liquor. Will Dharmanagari become a den of alcoholics?
Liquor vends will open on a large scale in Tirupati, why most liquor vends in the pilgrimage city? #DNA #Tirupati #TirupatiControversy #TirupatiRow @Anant_Tyagii pic.twitter.com/Nkfcrv4jRb — Zee News (@ZeeNews) October 2, 2024
YSR Congress MP M Gurumurthy has accused the Chandrababu Naidu-led government of attempting to turn Tirupati into a “liquor hub.” In an He questioned the rationale behind allowing 227 liquor licenses in a place steeped in tradition and spirituality.
“Will the protection of Sanatan Dharma be ensured by opening these 227 liquor shops?” Gurumurthy asked, expressing his outrage at the government’s decision. He further pointed out that while the state government has claimed to uphold the purity of Tirupati, the opening of alcohol shops contradicts this commitment.
However, this issue extends beyond just one pilgrimage site. A reality check across various religious towns in India shows a troubling trend where state revenues rely heavily on alcohol sales and licensing. From a religious and health perspective, alcohol is often viewed as sinful, yet its economic significance frequently overshadows spiritual beliefs.
