Jagan Mohan Reddy Criticizes CM Chandrababu Naidu Over Tirupati Laddu Controversy
Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), September 27: Former Chief Minister and YSRCP leader Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly criticized current Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu regarding the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam issue. Reddy accused Naidu of lying about the ingredients used in the laddus and trying to obstruct his visit to the Tirumala temple.
Accusations Against CM Naidu
Reddy claimed that Naidu is spreading false information about the use of animal fat in the laddus to shift political focus. He emphasized that the ghee procurement process is routine and has been happening for decades. Reddy also mentioned that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board has a robust mechanism to ensure quality, including NABL certification for tankers.
Quality Control and Rejections
Reddy highlighted that during Naidu’s regime, several ghee consignments were rejected due to quality issues. He pointed out that in July 2024, four tankers failed quality tests, and the TTD issued a show-cause notice to the responsible company. Reddy questioned how adulterated ghee could have been used if the tankers were sent back.
Response from TDP
TDP National Spokesperson Komma Reddy Pattabhiram called Reddy ‘anti-Hindu’ for not signing a declaration required for non-Hindus to visit the Tirumala temple. He accused Reddy of hurting Hindu sentiments and questioned his refusal to sign the declaration, which has been a practice for over three decades.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began when CM Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRCP government. Reddy has denied these allegations and accused Naidu of spreading falsehoods.
Doubts Revealed
Jagan Mohan Reddy -: Jagan Mohan Reddy is a politician in India. He was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh before Chandrababu Naidu.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state.
Chandrababu Naidu -: Chandrababu Naidu is the current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, a state in India.
Tirupati Laddu -: Tirupati Laddu is a special sweet given as ‘prasadam’ (a religious offering) at the Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh.
Prasadam -: Prasadam is food that is offered to a deity in Hindu temples and then distributed to devotees.
Tirumala temple -: The Tirumala temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
Ghee -: Ghee is a type of clarified butter used in Indian cooking and religious rituals.
TDP -: TDP stands for Telugu Desam Party, a regional political party in Andhra Pradesh.
Komma Reddy Pattabhiram -: Komma Reddy Pattabhiram is a spokesperson for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Anti-Hindu -: Anti-Hindu means being against Hindu beliefs or practices.
Declaration for non-Hindus -: Non-Hindus need to sign a declaration to visit certain Hindu temples, stating they respect the temple’s traditions.
