Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu Forms Special Team to Investigate Tirupati Prasadam Adulteration

On Sunday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the creation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into allegations of adulteration in the Tirupati Prasadam (laddus). Naidu stated, “We are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officers of IGP and above posts. The SIT will submit a report to the government and we will take action based on that report so that such things are not repeated.”

Naidu further explained, “I am taking three angles, first, purification, according to traditions. I am ordering an inquiry at the IGP level. Only those who have beliefs will be there in the management committee. Finally, we will prepare standard operating procedures for all the temples.”

Responding to Jagan Mohan Reddy’s claim that Naidu was using diversion tactics to cover failed promises, Naidu said, “What nonsense he (Jagan Mohan Reddy) is talking. Not even 100 days we have in government. You tell the policies, criticise my policy, and I’ll answer what you have done, what I have done. But, you wanted to divert, but if you do so, more and more sentiments will hurt.”

Earlier, Congress leader Pawan Khera called for a fast-track inquiry into the alleged use of ‘animal fat’ in the prasadam for Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple in Tirupati. Khera stated, “It is very surprising that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer, appointed by Chandrababu Naidu’s government, contradicts the claims of adulteration in the prasadam. This kind of atmosphere is bad for the faith of crores of devotees. A fast-track inquiry should take place and the strictest punishment to the guilty must be meted out.”

Advocate K Karuna Sagar also alleged that the previous YSRCP government used ‘animal fat’ in the Laddu Prasadam offered at Tirumala Temple in Tirupati, calling it an attack on Hindu sentiments and a “conspiracy.” Sagar expressed his shock, stating, “The Laddu Prasadam offered at Tirupati is world-famous for its divinity, sanctity, and quality. I was shocked and surprised after seeing the lab reports confirming that the low-quality ghee used in making the Laddu Prasadam contained beef, pork, and fish oil. This is an attack on Hindu sentiments… This is a conspiracy.”

On September 19, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stirred a political controversy after he claimed that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddoo prasadam, offered at Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirupati, contained animal fat during the previous YSRCP government. Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district.