The iconic Tirumala Tirupati temple of Andhra Pradesh, one of the wealthiest religious bodies in India, is caught in allegations of theft and politics.

The former priest of the temple, AV Ramana Dikshitulu, has made a stunning series of allegations against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and the men appointed by him to manage the temple.

Deekshitulu, 69, has called for a CBI investigation into the case of the missing jewel. He also alleges that since 1996, many such pieces of jewellery have vanished.

Deekshitulu said that priceless ornaments and precious diamonds which were donated by devotees to Lord Venkateshwara have disappeared.

He has further gone ahead and said that it is the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, along with the Temple authorities (TTD), who have been looting away the jewels.

But this is only a part of his allegations, which have taken a political turn because of the former head priest’s perceived proximity to central leaders.

He had received Amit Shah in Tirupati just before the Karnataka elections and had reportedly conveyed his allegations and worries. He held a press conference in Chennai on May 15 and three days later, he was shown the door.

Deekshitulu has also made serious allegations against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of violating Agama Shastra — the temple’s rulebook — by allowing digging in the “Potu” or kitchen of the temple. There is a belief that there is hidden treasure under the kitchen floor.

An executive officer of the temple board, Anil Singhal, denied that Deekshitulu had been forced out for going public with his allegations.

His retirement at 65 was in the rules framed by the Andhra Pradesh government for Archakas and there is nothing more to it than that, said Mr Singhal.

In a press conference on Sunday, Mr Singhal also fended off the former priest’s allegation about the pink diamond.

The missing jewellery is not a pink diamond at all, he said, but a ruby that broke during a festival Brahmotsavam as people flung coins at the deity.

The temple official also said Tirumala was open to publicly displaying all jewellery that belongs to the temple, if the rules allowed it.

Tirupati Balaji is one of the most revered temples in South India. The Temple is known as one of the richest temples in the world, is visited by lakhs of people from across the world every year.

Prince Harry and USA citizen, former actress Meghan Markle became man and wife already. And the ‘royal’ website that gives all information about their family members already put up information about “Duchess Of Sussex”, welcoming her into the British royal family.

Here is an interesting post doing rounds on the internet about this royal family member now. Like any other tourist, Meghan also visited “Buckingham Palace”, the official office and a part-residence of Queen Elizabeth. Almost 22 years ago, when Meghan was 15 years old, she went on this tour and got few pictures clicked in front of the historic building.

Fate is that she married Harry and became a member of Royal family now, she will be the official inheritor of that palace along with other family members. So this is an example where time and fate will take you to, in the most unexpected way.

Meanwhile, Meghan is said to have become UK citizen now and also quit acting forever. Also recently she has deleted all of her social accounts as well. From now on, she will be taking part in the charity events related to royal family.

Ever since Ramana Deekshitulu has been relieved from his duties as the TTD chief priest considering his past record and age, the controversial priest has been leveling allegations and accusations against the TTD board that controls India’s richest temple and the ruling TDP.

Among his several allegations, the top allegation was missing of a pink diamond belonging to the temple shrine which he claimed that it was recently auctioned in Geneva for whopping Rs 500 Crore.

Whereas TTD EO Anil Kumar Singhal has responded on the whole controversy and stated that the TTD board is ready to publicly display the jewels amid heavy security.

Strongly responding to Ramana Deekshitulu’s series of allegations which he had not raised when he was the head priest, former IAS and Vice Chairman of AP Planning Commission Kutumba Rao too stated that not a single penny of the Tirumala Devasthanam funds is misused. Clarifying on the allegation of Ramana Deekshitulu that Rs 10 Crore of Tirumala funds is diverted, he set the record straight that the funds were used for the development of Onti Mitta Temple in Kadapa that was brought under the umbrella of TTD and its development is a responsibility of the Tirumala temple shrine.

He also shot back at Ramana Deekshitulu saying all his allegations are baseless and blatant lies and is acting at the behest of a few vested political parties (read as BJP) and its representatives. Kutumba Rao said it is TTD’s responsibility to develop the surrounding areas of Tirumala shrine for the devotees of Lord Balaji.

Meanwhile, CM Chandrababu Naidu is serious on the whole TTD issue who ordered for an internal probe. He directed the TTD board members and other concerned officials to respond and clarify on the allegations raised by Ramana Deekshitulu. Naidu is expected to respond on the issue very soon.

Stroking a major controversy, Delhi Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto has written an ‘open letter’ to Christian community asking them to offer prayers and observe a day of fast on every Friday for “new government” in 2019. This is not all. In the letter/circular, the Archbishop alleged a “turbulent political atmosphere” and said it is acting against the “democratic principles of Indian Constitution”. Now, this circular from Archbishop is creating huge stir among political fraternity as he indirectly referred to the incumbent Narendra Modi government and seeking for its change.

In the circular addressed to all parish priests and religious institutions in the Archdiocese of Delhi, Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto said, “We are witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution and the secular fabric of our nation,” while urging the Christians to pray for the political leaders of the country as the general elections are nearing.

“As we look forward towards 2019 when we will have new government let us begin a prayer campaign for our country from May 13, 2018 which marks the anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed Mother at Fatima, consecrating ourselves and our nation to the Immaculate Heart,” the circular read.

The Delhi Archbishop further asked the faithful to forego at least one meal on Fridays. “I request that we observe a day of fast every Friday of the week by forgoing at least one meal and offering our penance and all our sacrifices for our spiritual renewal and that of our nation.”

“Moreover, I earnestly request that we organize an hour of Eucharistic adoration every Friday at a convenient time in all our parishes, religious houses and institution specifically praying for our nation. During this Adoration the enclosed Prayer may be recited,” said the note.

One of India’s star cricketers Ravindra Jadeja’s wife Rivaba Jadeja was allegedly attacked by a policeman in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The incident occurred after Rivaba’s vehicle collided with the bike of a police constable.

Police said Rivaba’s car hit the bike of constable Sanjay Ahir. After both the vehicles stopped, Ahir allegedly attacked Rivaba when she stepped out of her car. She has received some injuries.

The department launched an investigation into the whole episode. As assaulting a woman is a serious crime, Ahir is likely to face departmental inquiry and suspension.

Ravindra Jadeja is part of the Indian cricket team and is currently with the Chennai Super Kings team in the 11th edition of the ongoing IPL.

TDP leader and MLC Budda Venkanna has breathed fire on YSRCP MP and Jagan’s close aide Vijay Sai Reddy who is facing several CBI cases in Jagan’s DA case and money-laundering case. Referring to YSRCP as Dandupalyam team, Venkanna described A-2 Vijay Sai Reddy as Dandupalyam gang leader.

Venkanna said he is willing to contest against Vijay Sai Reddy from Vizag and stated that he would defeat him by over 2.2 Lakh votes majority with ease. He said he needs Chandrababu Naidu’s approval to contest against Vijay Sai Reddy.

Responding to Pawan Kalyan’s claim that TDP formed the government in 2014 only because of him, Venkanna found fault with Pawan for his comments. He said people voted for TDP in 2014 for Chandrababu Naidu alone. Venkanna also shot back at BJP’s national president Amit Shah alleging that four party presidents in Andhra Pradesh are working as per Amit Shah’s directions.

Venkanna said that Jagan, Kanna and Raghuveera Reddy all come from same Congress family and belong to one group.