Nara Lokesh Criticizes YSRCP Over Tirupati Laddu Controversy
Vijaywada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 20: Andhra Pradesh Minister and TDP leader Nara Lokesh has criticized the YSRCP-led government over the Tirupati Laddu controversy. He accused the previous government of misusing the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for their own benefit.
Allegations of Adulteration
Lokesh stated, “We warned that if God’s name is misused, it will lead to devastation. From 2019 to 2024, our alliance (Janasena Telugu Desam) criticized the then-government (YSRCP) multiple times. We exposed substandard Tirumala laddu production using animal fat, supported by lab reports.”
He added that the previous government’s misrule tarnished the reputation of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Lokesh mentioned that a new Executive Officer has been appointed to correct past mistakes, and CM Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to maintain the quality of prasadam.
Condemnation by BJP Leader
Earlier, BJP leader and former TTD Board Member, Bhanuprakash Reddy, condemned the alleged use of animal fat in the consecrated sweets, ‘Tirupati Prasadam,’ at Sri Venkateswara Temple. He said they would file a complaint against the previous YSRCP government led by former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Bhanuprakash Reddy stated, “During the tenure of Jagan Mohan Reddy, from 2019 to 2024, TTD used pure cow ghee to prepare laddu. Unfortunately, that was adulterated. We got a report that vegetable oil and animal fat were mixed in it.”
Response from CM Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu made a startling allegation, claiming that the previous YSR Congress-led by Jagan Mohan Reddy had used animal fat in the ‘Tirupati Prasadam’ instead of ghee at Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati.
In a post on X, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh shared a video clip of his father, CM Naidu, addressing a gathering and wrote, “The Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. I am shocked to learn that the ysjagan administration used animal fat instead of ghee in the Tirupati Prasadam.”
He added, “Shame on ysjagan and the ysrcparty government that couldn’t respect the religious sentiments of crores of devotees.”
About the Tirupati Temple
The Tirupati temple is devoted to Lord Venkateswara, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu who is believed to have come to earth to deliver humanity from the trials and tribulations of the Kali Yuga. The location is known as Kaliyuga Vaikuntha, and the deity is called Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam.
The NDA alliance, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena (JS), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), came to power in Andhra Pradesh earlier this year following a landslide victory in the assembly polls, ousting the YSCRP government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Doubts Revealed
Nara Lokesh -: Nara Lokesh is a politician from Andhra Pradesh, a state in India. He is a member of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the son of former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
YSRCP -: YSRCP stands for Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party. It is a political party in Andhra Pradesh, founded by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Tirupati Laddu -: Tirupati Laddu is a famous sweet given as prasadam (a religious offering) at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
TDP -: TDP stands for Telugu Desam Party. It is a regional political party in Andhra Pradesh, founded by N. T. Rama Rao.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the two major political parties in India, known for its nationalist policies.
Bhanuprakash Reddy -: Bhanuprakash Reddy is a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Andhra Pradesh.
CM Chandrababu Naidu -: CM stands for Chief Minister. Chandrababu Naidu is a senior politician and the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He is also the leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
NDA alliance -: NDA stands for National Democratic Alliance. It is a coalition of political parties in India, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
JS -: JS likely refers to Jana Sena, a regional political party in Andhra Pradesh, founded by actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan.
prasadam -: Prasadam is a religious offering, usually food, given to devotees in Hindu temples. It is considered sacred and blessed.