YSRCP Leader Narayana Murthy Welcomes Supreme Court’s Decision on Tirupati Laddu Controversy

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh [India], September 30: YSRCP leader Narayana Murthy expressed his support for the Supreme Court’s observations on the Tirupati Laddu controversy. The issue began when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that ‘animal fat’ was used in the preparation of the famous prasadam (offering).

Murthy criticized Naidu’s allegations, calling them baseless and unnecessary. He stated, “Lakhs of people are suffering from these unnecessary, unwanted, baseless, and proofless comments from Chandrababu Naidu… Without checking the ghee, it is not allowed in the temple premises. Then how can you say that the ladoos are made with low-quality ghee or whatever ingredients?”

Murthy also mentioned that the Supreme Court’s decision would bring relief to devotees. “Supreme Court judges asked several questions. As a devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I am feeling very happy, and all devotees are feeling relaxed because the Supreme Court has taken responsibility to bring back confidence in the temple,” he said.

He further criticized Naidu for politicizing the issue, stating, “Why are you bringing Lord Venkateswara into politics? This is a matter of faith, and it should not be used for political purposes.” Murthy reiterated that no low-quality ghee had entered the temple premises and expressed confidence in a positive outcome when the case is heard on October 3. “Let us wait until the third. I think it will come to a conclusion on the third. Every devotee is hoping that it ends with good news,” he added.

The Supreme Court, while hearing a batch of petitions on the ‘Tirupati Prasadam’ row, stated that “Gods should be kept away from politics” and questioned the Andhra Pradesh government for going to the press about the incident. The court was hearing petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into the allegations of using animal fat to make laddus served as Prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.

The Supreme Court asked the Andhra Pradesh government’s counsel why they went to the press when lab reports indicated that the ghee used in the consecrated sweet was tested. The government responded that it is investigating the issue. Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, appearing for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), mentioned that people complained that the laddu did not taste right. The Supreme Court noted that there was no proof that contaminated ghee was used for prasadam.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that this is a matter of faith and that it needs to be examined who was responsible if the ghee was used. The Supreme Court asked whether an investigation should be conducted by a state-constituted SIT or an independent agency. The court’s order stated that the Solicitor General should assist in deciding whether the SIT already appointed by the state government should continue or if the probe should be conducted by an independent agency.