Controversy Over Tirupati Temple Laddus: Allegations and Political Reactions
Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh – A major controversy has erupted over the alleged adulteration of laddus served as ‘prasadam’ at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat was used in the laddus during the previous YSRCP government. This has led to a political row, with YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accusing Naidu of politicizing religious matters.
Political Reactions
YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy stated that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is politicizing religious issues. He mentioned that the tender process for ingredients is stringent and that the TDP’s claims are baseless. Reddy plans to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to address the issue.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan emphasized the need to maintain the sanctity of all religious places and proposed setting up a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ to protect temples.
Legal and Public Reactions
The YSRCP has moved to the Andhra Pradesh High Court, demanding an investigation into the claims. The court suggested filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for further proceedings.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called the allegations disturbing and urged authorities to protect the sanctity of religious spaces. Karnataka Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced that all prasada offered at major temples in Karnataka would be tested for quality.
Clarifications and Further Actions
Amul clarified that it has never supplied ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). Union Health Minister JP Nadda has sought a report on the issue and stated that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) would investigate the matter.
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh shared a video clip showing Chief Minister Naidu’s claims about the use of animal fat in the laddus, expressing his shock and concern.
The Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a revered Hindu temple located in Tirumala hills at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.
Doubts Revealed
Tirupati Temple -: The Tirupati Temple, also known as the Sri Venkateswara Temple, is a famous Hindu temple located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of the god Vishnu.
Laddus -: Laddus are sweet, round balls made from flour, sugar, and ghee (clarified butter). They are often served as prasad (a religious offering) in temples.
Adulteration -: Adulteration means adding something harmful or of lower quality to a product. In this case, it means adding something bad to the laddus.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu -: N Chandrababu Naidu is a politician who was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. A Chief Minister is like the head of a state government in India.
YSRCP -: YSRCP stands for Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party. It is a political party in Andhra Pradesh, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Jagan Mohan Reddy -: Jagan Mohan Reddy is a politician and the leader of the YSRCP. He is also the current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Amul -: Amul is a famous Indian dairy cooperative known for its milk and milk products like butter and ghee.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda -: JP Nadda is a politician who was the Union Health Minister of India. The Union Health Minister is responsible for health-related matters in the whole country.
