Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Says 'VIP Culture' Should Be Reduced In Tirupati

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu addressed concerns on Saturday regarding the quality of 'laddu prasadam' at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala.

After inaugurating a new centralised kitchen by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Naidu spoke to the media, noting that devotees were pleased with the improvements in the prasadam's quality.

This follows allegations that adulterated ghee was used in preparing the laddu prasadam during the previous YSR Congress government, claims which former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy denied.

"Several people expressed happiness saying that they were satisfied (with laddu quality)," Naidu said while speaking to the Times of India.

He stressed that the current administration would not tolerate any impurity in the prasadam, assuring that TTD is committed to maintaining the purity of the offerings to Lord Balaji.

"TTD and also the government are here to protect the purity and sanctity of Lord Balaji or Sri Venkateshwar Swamy," he added.

Earlier, Naidu held a review meeting with TTD officials, directing them to use only high-quality ingredients in prasadams.

He also suggested reducing VIP culture at Tirumala and implementing measures to avoid congestion during celebrity visits.

Naidu further proposed increasing the forest cover in Tirumala from 72% to 80% and involved Endowments Minister Anam Rannarayana Reddy in collecting feedback from devotees across all temples.

He stayed overnight to offer 'Pattu Vastralu' (silk robes) to Lord Venkateswara during the annual Brahmotsavams and launched the TTD calendar and diary for 2025.