Speaking at the NDA legislature party meeting, Naidu made a serious allegation against the YSRCP administration, claiming that substandard materials were used in the making of the iconic Tirupati laddus during their tenure. He went on to allege that animal fat had been used in place of pure ghee in the world-famous temple offerings, an accusation that has deeply angered many, especially among the temple’s devotees.
The ruling YSRCP was quick to dismiss the allegations. Senior leader and former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) president, Y V Subba Reddy, called Naidu’s remarks “malicious” and accused the former chief minister of stooping to new lows for political gain. “Chandrababu Naidu has committed a grave sin by tarnishing the sanctity of Tirumala and disrespecting the faith of millions of Hindus. No person would make such vile comments about a sacred offering,” Reddy remarked.
Meanwhile, Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh’s IT Minister and son of Chandrababu Naidu, stood by his father’s comments and launched a scathing attack on the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy administration. “The Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala is the holiest of all temples for us. I am appalled to learn that the YSRCP government allowed animal fat to be used in the prasad. It shows a complete disregard for the religious sentiments of millions of devotees,” Lokesh said.
The allegations revolve around the Tirupati laddu, a sacred offering made at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, which is administered by the TTD. The laddus are revered by devotees, and the notion that impure ingredients may have been used in their preparation has fuelled public outrage.
As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how this issue will play out politically, with the opposition determined to capitalise on the controversy and the YSRCP fervently defending the sanctity of the temple’s practices.