In the midst of the ongoing faith declaration debate at Tirumala, Deputy Chief Minister and JanaSena Party leader Pawan Kalyan's youngest daughter, Polina Anjani Konidela, made her formal faith declaration to secure Srivari Darshan at the Tirumala Tirupati temple.
The declaration is mandatory to visit Tirumala Temple and it requires non-Hindu devotees to submit a signed affidavit affirming their respect for Lord Venkateswara and adherence to temple rules.
As Polina Anjani is a minor, her father, Pawan Kalyan, signed the declaration documents on her behalf. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) employees were present to sign the necessary paperwork during the process.
This comes after Pawan Kalyan had previously stated that while he practices Hinduism, his daughter is a Christian. He has been vocal about his stance against caste practices within his JanaSena party, promoting inclusivity.
On Tuesday, Pawan Kalyan began a three-day visit to the sacred Tirumala shrine, starting his pilgrimage with a three-hour foot march up the hill as part of an 11-day penance. His penance is a bid to appease Lord Venkateswara over claims that Tirupati's famous "laddus" were adulterated with animal fat, a controversy he has been actively addressing as part of his efforts to protect Sanatana Dharma.
ALSO READ: Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Begins 3-Day Visit To Tirupati Amid Tirumala Laddu Controversy
“This is not just about one prasad issue (laddu adulteration). Maybe it came out. Maybe this was a triggering point to initiate this. Prayaschitta Deeksha (penance) is (the) commitment to take forward Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) protection. (It) is very essential. That is the order of the day,” Kalyan told reporters, as per a report on PTI, while leaving for Tirumala.
He would return to Vijayawada from Tirumala on Thursday. The political leader's pilgrimage has drawn significant attention, reinforcing his image as a protector of Hindu traditions and religious sentiments.