The World Opinion

Tag: Centre Asks Clarifification

  • Tirupati Laddoo Controversy: Jagan Reddy Denies Allegations, Accuses Rivals Of Using Faith For Politics |

     Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has rejected claims made by the ruling TDP regarding the use of animal fat in the famous Tirupati laddoos during his tenure, accusing the opposition of diversion tactics.

    Allegations Spark Controversy

    Jagan Mohan Reddy, in his first remarks since the controversy erupted, dismissed the accusations as “false” and targeted Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for engaging in what he termed “faith-based politics.” The row centres on claims that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddoos was contaminated with animal fat, including fish oil and beef tallow.

    These allegations came to light following a July 17 report from a state-run laboratory in Gujarat, which suggested the presence of animal fat in the ghee. The report has since escalated into a political and religious storm, with Naidu’s TDP taking aim at Reddy’s previous administration.

    Tirupati Laddoos Case Reaches Supreme Court 

    The issue has reached the Supreme Court, with a petition filed on the grounds of potential violations of Article 25 of the Constitution, which protects the right to freedom of religion. In response, the Union Health Ministry has requested a detailed investigation, while Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the culprit should be punished.

     Temple Authorities Under Fire

    The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the temple operations, has faced criticism for not having in-house food testing facilities. According to the temple’s Executive Officer, the lack of such facilities hindered routine quality checks, leaving them dependent on external suppliers for the quality of ingredients. The ghee in question was reportedly sourced from a supplier in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district.

    Political Fallout

    Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has been vocal in his condemnation of the alleged use of animal fat, stating during a legislature party meeting that the current administration had improved the quality of the ingredients, particularly ghee, used in making the laddoos. He further announced that the temple premises would undergo a sanitization process to address the concerns.

    Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh’s IT Minister and Naidu’s son linked the controversy to an ongoing anti-corruption investigation into the procurement of ghee and vegetables for the temple kitchen. Jana Sena Party leader Pawan Kalyan, also the Deputy Chief Minister, expressed outrage, accusing the previous administration of undermining the sanctity of “Sanatan Dharma.”

     YSRCP Hits Back

    The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), led by Jagan Reddy, has fiercely denied the allegations. YV Subba Reddy, a Rajya Sabha MP and former Chairperson of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, called the claims “unimaginable,” asserting that no animal fat could have been used in the sacred food offered daily to the deity. Another senior party leader, Karunakar Reddy, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.

     National Repercussions

    The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is aligned with both the TDP and Jana Sena at the national level, has also condemned the issue. BJP leader Bandi Sanjay criticized the alleged desecration of the “very holy prasadam” and hinted that the controversy might stem from the inclusion of individuals from other religions on the temple board.

    Calls for a CBI Inquiry

    Meanwhile, Congress has remained relatively quiet in the fray. However, YS Sharmila, who leads the party’s Andhra Pradesh unit and is the sister of Jagan Mohan Reddy, has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the allegations. Despite being siblings, Sharmila and Jagan Reddy share a strained political relationship.

  • Tirupati Laddus Controversy: Centre Seeks Clarification From Andhra Pradesh Government On TDP Allegations |

    In the wake of claims made by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) regarding the use of non-vegetarian ingredients in the preparation of the sacred Tirupati laddus, the Union government has called for a comprehensive report from the Andhra Pradesh government. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has expressed concern and initiated an inquiry into the allegations, which have sparked a significant political and religious controversy.
     Allegations of Impurity in Sacred Prasadam

    The controversy began when TDP leader and former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) administration of using “beef tallow,” “lard” (pig fat), and fish oil in place of pure ghee to prepare the laddus at the revered Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. Naidu’s accusations were particularly incendiary, as the Tirupati laddus are not merely sweets but are considered divine prasadam, holding immense religious significance for millions of devotees.

    During a public gathering, Naidu articulated his concerns, declaring that the YSRCP government, led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, had allegedly replaced ghee with animal fats in the laddus, a claim that sent shockwaves across religious communities. Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh amplified these accusations by sharing a video clip of his father’s speech and expressing his own outrage, labeling the actions of the YSRCP government as “shocking.”

     The Central Government’s Response

    In response to these allegations, Union Health Minister Nadda stated that he had personally spoken with Naidu and sought further details on the matter. Nadda emphasized that he has requested a full report from the Andhra Pradesh government to scrutinize the TDP’s claims. “I have asked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to share the available report so that we can examine it in light of food safety standards,” Nadda said during a briefing. He further assured that appropriate action would be taken after the investigation, signaling the gravity with which the Union government is treating these allegations.

    YSRCP’s Fierce Denial

    As the accusations stirred public sentiment, the YSR Congress Party swiftly responded, vehemently rejecting Naidu’s claims. B. Karunakar Reddy, former chairperson of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the temple, accused Naidu of manufacturing baseless allegations for political gain. In an interview with a regional news channel, Reddy described Naidu’s claims as “sacrilegious,” stating that they were part of a “deplorable experiment” aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the YSRCP and its leader, Jagan Mohan Reddy.

    Reddy, who oversaw TTD operations during the period in question, staunchly defended the integrity of the laddus’ preparation process, maintaining that all food safety standards had been adhered to. He condemned Naidu’s accusations as politically motivated and disrespectful to the temple’s sanctity, arguing that such allegations serve only to erode public trust in religious institutions.

    Political Firestorm

    The allegations have ignited a political storm in Andhra Pradesh, with both the TDP and the YSRCP entrenched in a fierce war of words. Naidu’s claims strike at the heart of the religious sensitivities surrounding the Tirupati temple, which is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu believed to deliver humanity from the trials of the Kali Yuga. The TDP’s accusations, coupled with the central government’s involvement, have further raised the stakes in the already charged political environment of the state.