Complaint Filed Over Tirupati Prasadam Controversy
Advocate K. Karuna Sagar Takes Action
In Hyderabad, Telangana, an advocate named K. Karuna Sagar has filed a complaint against former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, along with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman, board members, and officials. The complaint was submitted to the Saidabad Police Station in Hyderabad.
Allegations of Low-Quality Ghee
Advocate Sagar alleges that low-quality ghee mixed with animal fat was used in the sacred Laddu Prasadam offered at the Tirupati Venkateshwara Swamy temple. He expressed his deep concern, stating, “As a practicing Hindu and devoted follower of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy, I hold the Laddu Prasadam in the highest esteem. This offering has been an integral part of our faith for over 300 years, symbolizing divine blessings and serving as an essential component of the spiritual experience. A visit and darshan of Swamy feels incomplete without it.”
He further added, “Today, I was shocked to see the lab test report confirming the use of ghee with animal fat in the preparation of the world-famous Tirupati Laddu Prasadam. The subsequent confirmation from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams board has only heightened my concern.”
Religious Sentiments Hurt
Advocate Sagar emphasized that the actions of the individuals mentioned are malicious and defile the sanctity of the sacred Tirumala temple. He mentioned that this deeply hurts the religious sentiments of devotees of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy and Hindus at large, especially those who refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food.
He requested the police to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the TTD Chairman, board members, and officials for undermining the sanctity of the Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple and for hurting the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus under sections 298 & 299 of the IPC.
Political Reactions
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh emphasized that “nobody will be spared,” expressing that his own sentiments have also been hurt. He targeted former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, stating, “This happens when the CM doesn’t have a vision. We personally also feel very bad. We are going to streamline the process of investigation.”
Reacting to the allegations, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that the Telegu Desam Party (TDP) is “politicising religious matters.” He stated that he will write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, claiming that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has twisted the facts.
Doubts Revealed
Andhra Pradesh -: Andhra Pradesh is a state in the southern part of India. It has many famous temples and a rich cultural heritage.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister, who is the head of the government in an Indian state.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy -: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is a politician who was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He is a member of the YSR Congress Party.
Tirupati Prasadam -: Prasadam is food that is offered to a deity in a temple and then distributed to devotees. Tirupati is a famous temple in Andhra Pradesh.
Advocate -: An advocate is a lawyer who helps people with legal issues and represents them in court.
TTD -: TTD stands for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which is the organization that manages the Tirupati temple.
Ghee -: Ghee is a type of clarified butter used in Indian cooking and religious rituals.
Animal fat -: Animal fat is fat that comes from animals. It is not usually used in religious offerings in Hindu temples.
Laddu -: Laddu is a sweet ball made from flour, sugar, and ghee. It is often given as prasadam in temples.
Religious sentiments -: Religious sentiments refer to the feelings and beliefs people have about their religion.
Nara Lokesh -: Nara Lokesh is a politician in Andhra Pradesh and a member of the Telugu Desam Party.
Telegu Desam Party -: The Telugu Desam Party is a political party in Andhra Pradesh, founded by N.T. Rama Rao.
Politicizing -: Politicizing means making something a political issue, often to gain an advantage or to criticize opponents.