New Delhi | October 3: Tirupati Laddu Controversy stands for the allegations made by the Telangana Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and YSRCP government for adulterating the divine prasad/ laddu that is being offered to the deities and then to the devotees at the Tirupati temple located in the Tirupati district of the state.
On September 19, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh while shared a video clip on his social media handle in which CM Naidu is saying that previously animal fat was used in consecrated sweets–‘Tirupati Prasadam’ instead of ‘Ghee’ at Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. He accused then Reddy government for adulterating the prasad.
Taking it to a social media post on X, Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh said that he was shocked by the findings and added, “The Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. I am shocked to learn that the YS Jagan administration used animal fat instead of ghee in the Tirupati Prasadam.”
“Shame on YS Jagan and the YSR party government that couldn’t respect the religious sentiments of crores of devotees,” Lokesh said
Referring to a copy of a “lab report,” TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy alleged that “beef tallow and animal fat–lard and fish oil–were used in the preparation of ghee, which was supplied to Tirumala.”
“The lab reports of samples that were sent for testing to the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat certify that beef tallow and animal fat, lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee that was supplied to Tirumala and also the S value is only 19.7. The Hindu religion is offended by this. The ‘prasadam’ which is offered to the Lord thrice a day has been mixed with this ghee,” Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy alleged.
“We hope that justice will be done and Lord Govinda will forgive us for whatever mistakes have been committed,” he said.
What happened in the latest development?
However, in the latest development, Jagan Mohan Reddy has denied the allegations of the CM Naidu and accused him of politicizing the issue for gains. He said that CM Naidu nis telling lies.
Reddy denied any government interference in the procurement of the persuasion of the tender in the making of the ladoos.
Speaking on the matter, former Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy said, “CM Chandrababu Naidu is telling lies. The ghee procurement e-tender is a routine process that has been happening for decades in every 6 months. Tirupati Laddu is very special. Since my childhood, I know that it is very special. The tender process takes place every 6 months, it’s a routine. It has been happening for years. Anyone who qualifies can participate”
“Every 6 months tenders (for Laddu) are called and the L1 who quotes for lower prices, gets approved by the TTD board. There is no government interference. The TTD board is also very special. Union Ministers and other state CMs also recommend the board members. The tenders of TTD were called as per routine and the suppliers were given as per the tender auction. TTD has a robust mechanism. The tankers that come to Thirumala should have an NABL certificate. The suppliers should get the tankers certified and produce the certificate.”
“During Chandrababu Naidu regime from 2014 to 2019 nearly 14-15 times, the Ghee was rejected due to quality issues. There is a robust process. Similarly from 2019 to 2024, 18 times it was rejected and sent back. Whatever I am saying is all facts.”
Reddy also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on prasadam row and alleged that attempts are being made by the ruling party and CM Naidu to “irreparably tarnish the sanctity, integrity, and reputation” of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). TTD is the trust that sanctions the tender of the ladoos and manages the temple.
Several leaders, particularly from the BJP-led NDA and Congress-led INDIA alliance also, have criticized the Reddy and former YSRCP government however, the leaders from YSRCP have alleged that whole matter is being intensified to damage the reputation of TTD and tarnish the image of YSRCP.
