SIT Investigates Tirupati Laddu Adulteration Claims Amid Political Tensions
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) visited Tirupati on Saturday to start investigating allegations of adulteration in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) ‘Prasadam Laddu’. The SIT held a meeting at Padmavathi Guest House in Tirupati to look into these claims.
The controversy began when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of the Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRCP government. In response, YSRCP leader Jagan Mohan Reddy accused CM Naidu of lying about the issue. Reddy stated that the ghee procurement e-tender is a routine process that has been happening for decades.
Reddy also alleged that the government is trying to obstruct his upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. He mentioned that police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state, stating that their visit to the temple is not permitted and that their program does not have the necessary approval.
Reddy further claimed that CM Naidu brought up the laddu issue to shift political focus. He criticized Naidu for portraying that animal fat was used in the laddu prasadam, questioning the sanctity and pride of Tirumala.
Doubts Revealed
SIT -: SIT stands for Special Investigation Team. It is a group of police officers who investigate serious crimes or issues.
Tirupati Laddu -: Tirupati Laddu is a famous sweet given as ‘Prasadam’ (holy offering) at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) temple in Andhra Pradesh.
Adulteration -: Adulteration means adding something harmful or of lower quality to a product. In this case, it means adding bad ingredients to the Tirupati Laddu.
Political Tensions -: Political tensions refer to disagreements and conflicts between different political parties or leaders.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) -: TTD is the organization that manages the Tirumala temple, one of the most famous and richest temples in India.
Andhra Pradesh CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state. In this case, it is Chandrababu Naidu.
YSRCP -: YSRCP stands for Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party. It is a political party in Andhra Pradesh, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Chandrababu Naidu -: Chandrababu Naidu is a politician and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He belongs to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Jagan Mohan Reddy -: Jagan Mohan Reddy is a politician and the leader of the YSRCP party in Andhra Pradesh.
Prasadam -: Prasadam is food that is offered to a deity in a temple and then given to devotees as a blessing.