Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Board chairman Bumana Karunakar Reddy on Tuesday refuted allegations of irregularities during his tenure as TTD chairman, that were hurled at him by Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu, as 'baseless'.
Talking to media persons, Karunakar asserted that he was innocent of any wrongdoing and willing to face any punishment if even one of the allegations made against him is proved.
The former TTD chairman demanded a probe by either a sitting judge or by the CBI into the allegations made against him so that his name would be cleared. He pointed out that he was the only person who is seeking a CBI probe against himself.
Karunakar also requested devotees of Lord Venkateshwara to demand a CBI probe against him, and stressed that this is the only way to clear his name.
The former TTD chairman also said that he is contemplating going on a hunger-strike if the government does not give in to his demand of a CBI probe within 2 days.
He expressed his anguish that former chief minister late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy is also being targeted for the irregularities in the TTD Board. He said some persons have gone to the extent of claiming that the late chief minister has taken the Lord's ornaments to Israel during his pilgrimage there.
The staunch YSR loyalist said that he is proud to be the former chief minister's student, and that he does not feel the need to bow down to anyone since he has not committed any mistake.