Controversy Erupts: Chandrababu Naidu Claims Animal Fat in Tirupati Laddus, YSR Congress Responds

Controversy Erupts: Chandrababu Naidu Claims Animal Fat in Tirupati Laddus, YSR Congress Responds

In a shocking allegation, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has claimed that the previous YSR Congress government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy used animal fat instead of pure ghee to prepare the famous Tirupati laddus, considered sacred prasadam by devotees. Naidu made the startling revelation while addressing an NDA legislative party meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. He alleged that the YSRC government not only provided substandard food to devotees as anna prasadam in Tirumala but also used inferior ingredients for making the prasadam offered to Lord Venkateswara. “Instead of using pure ghee, they used animal fat,” the Chief Minister claimed in Telugu. He further stated that the current NDA government is now using pure ghee and has cleansed the system in the temple, leading to improved quality of prasadam and food.

YSR Congress Denies Allegations

Senior YSRC leader and former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy, however, dismissed Naidu’s allegations as “malicious,” accusing the TDP chief of being willing to “stoop to any level for political gain.”Subba Reddy, who served as TTD chairman for two terms, further accused Naidu of damaging the sanctity of Tirumala and the faith of Hindus. “Chandrababu Naidu has committed a grave sin by tarnishing the sanctity of the sacred Tirumala temple and undermining the faith of millions of Hindus. His remarks about the Tirumala prasadam are extremely vile. No person of human decency would make such statements or accusations. Once again, it has been proven that Chandrababu will stop at nothing for political gain,” Subba Reddy wrote in a post on X.He challenged Naidu to take an oath regarding the Tirumala prasadam along with his family to restore the faith of devotees.

Tirumala Laddus: A Sacred Tradition

The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, located in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most revered Hindu temples in the world. The temple is renowned for its grand rituals, including the famous “Laddu Prasadam,” which is considered divine by devotees.Lakhs of pilgrims from across the globe visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings, making it one of the richest and busiest pilgrimage sites in India.

Conclusion

The allegations made by Chandrababu Naidu regarding the use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRC regime have sparked a major controversy. While the NDA government claims to have restored the sanctity of the prasadam, the YSR Congress has vehemently denied the charges and accused Naidu of playing politics over a sensitive religious issue.As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the matter unfolds and whether it will have any impact on the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh. One thing is certain: the sanctity of the Tirupati temple and the faith of millions of devotees should be the top priority for all stakeholders involved.