Vijayawada: Allegations of irregularities in the laddu prasadam contract at the revered Kanaka Durga Temple have sparked concerns over transparency and fairness in temple administration.
Situated atop Indrakeeladri Hill, the temple draws thousands of devotees daily, with laddu prasadam serving as a key offering and a significant source of revenue. Alongside pulihora, laddus are highly sought after for their spiritual importance and longer shelf life.
Concerns have emerged over the continuation of the laddu contract under a single contractor, Visweswara Rao, for nearly two decades. Critics argue that the temple, governed by the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department, is required to follow a transparent tendering process for such contracts.
Standard norms mandate open bidding, with contracts typically awarded to the lowest bidder while ensuring quality. However, allegations suggest these procedures have not been consistently followed, with officials reportedly favoring the same contractor citing his experience.
While the contractor denies any wrongdoing, the issue has fueled demands for a detailed inquiry. Devotees and observers are urging authorities to ensure accountability, transparency, and fair competition in managing temple affairs.
