Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu Alleges Use Of Animal Fat In Tirupati Laddu During YSRCP Governance

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has accused the previous YSRCP government of using inferior ingredients and animal fat in the Tirupati laddu. This sacred sweet is distributed at the Sri Venkateswara temple, managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Naidu claimed that animal fat replaced ghee in the laddu during a meeting of the NDA legislature party.

Naidu assured that pure ghee is now used, and sanitation measures have improved the laddu's quality. However, YSRCP leader and former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy dismissed these allegations as politically motivated. He accused Naidu of making baseless claims for political advantage.

Political Reactions and Allegations

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh criticised the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy administration on social media. "The Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. I am shocked to learn that the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy administration used animal fat instead of ghee in the Tirupati Prasadam," he stated in a post on X.

Lokesh further alleged that the previous government disrespected the religious sentiments of millions of devotees. His comments intensified the political debate surrounding this issue, highlighting the sensitivity of religious matters in Andhra Pradesh.

Defending Religious Sanctity

Subba Reddy, who served two terms as TTD chairman, strongly refuted Naidu's claims. He argued that Naidu's remarks harmed the sanctity of Tirumala and undermined Hindu faith. "His comments about the Tirumala prasadam are extremely malicious. No person would speak such words or make such accusations," Subba Reddy expressed in a post on X.

To counter Naidu's allegations, Subba Reddy challenged him to take an oath before the deity with his family to prove his claims. This challenge aimed to restore confidence among devotees regarding the temple's practices.

The controversy over the Tirupati laddu highlights ongoing political tensions in Andhra Pradesh. Both parties continue to exchange accusations, reflecting deeper divisions within state politics. The issue underscores how religious sentiments can become focal points in political debates.