Vijayasai Reddy Criticizes Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Over Tirupati Prasadam Controversy

YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy V criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for spreading misinformation about the Tirupati Prasadam, claiming it contained animal fat. Reddy warned that such actions could lead to legal consequences under various laws, including the Indian Penal Code and cyber laws.

In a post on X, Reddy stated, "Chandrababu, you have done an unpardonable grave blunder. Even God won't spare you! Chandrababu, a reliably unreliable backstabber and consistently inconsistent politician, has earned his reputation as a trusted betrayer. His self-proclaimed '40 years industry' is at work again, spreading misinformation about the Tirumala issue without any conclusive proof. Such actions may lead to punishment under various laws, including the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and cyber laws."

Reddy emphasized that any restriction on speech must align with the constitutional safeguards in Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(2) of the Indian Constitution. He added that the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the State Legislature for any misinformation or false statements presented to the public.

The controversy began when Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus, the Prasadam offered at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, during the previous YSRCP government. However, the Supreme Court questioned Naidu's allegations, stating there was no conclusive proof to substantiate the claims.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan criticized Naidu, saying, "We are prima facie of the view that when the investigation was under process, it was not appropriate for the high constitutional authority to make a statement that could affect the sentiments of crores of people." The bench suggested that the Solicitor General assist in deciding whether the SIT by the state should continue or if the investigation should be conducted by an independent agency.

Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, announced that the SIT investigation into the Tirupati Laddu prasadam case will be suspended until October 3 due to the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court.