Tirupati Laddu Controversy: A political storm has erupted in Andhra Pradesh over claims that the sacred Tirupati Laddu, an iconic prasadam of the Tirumala temple, was adulterated with animal fat. The controversy began when Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu made serious accusations, alleging that during the tenure of the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the revered laddu was tainted with inferior ingredients, including animal fat.
These claims have shaken the faith of millions of devotees and triggered an intense debate in both political and religious circles. Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan and several other political leaders have joined the conversation, amplifying the issue further.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Allegations
The Tirupati Laddu controversy took center stage when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat, including pork fat, fish oil, and beef fat, was used in the preparation of the Tirumala temple’s laddu prasadam. These claims were made during a meeting of NDA legislators and immediately stirred up strong reactions from various quarters.
Naidu’s accusations were directed at the previous YSRCP government, alleging that under their rule, the sanctity of the sacred prasadam was compromised by using low-quality and impure ingredients. This has led to outrage among the devotees of Lord Venkateswara, as the laddu is not just a sweet but a symbol of religious devotion for millions of Hindus worldwide.
Pawan Kalyan Deeply Disturbed by Tirupati Laddu Controversy
Actor and political leader Pawan Kalyan also added expressed his views on the ongoing controversy. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Kalyan expressed deep concern over the allegations. He stated, “We are all deeply disturbed with the findings of animal fat (fish oil, pork fat, and beef fat) mixed in Tirupati Balaji Prasadam. Many questions need to be answered by the TTD board constituted by the YCP government.”
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s Call for Investigation
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi responded to the growing uproar, stating, “Whatever the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said is a very serious matter, it should be investigated in detail, and whoever is guilty should be punished.”
Congress Leader Rashid Alvi’s Demands for Resignation
Congress leader Rashid Alvi took the controversy a step further by accusing both the Andhra Pradesh government and the BJP of not taking the matter of dharma seriously. He said, “Today, the Andhra Pradesh government & BJP are together. BJP does not have any interest in beef or Dharma. BJP plays with the feelings of the people. If beef grease is used at such a pious place to make Laddus, I would say that PM Modi & the CM should resign. This is about the faith of crores of people. The PM & CM have no right to remain in power.”
Former TTD Chairman Defends Temple Traditions
Parliamentary Party President YSRCP, Y.V. Subba Reddy and the former chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), strongly condemned the allegations. He expressed outrage at Chandrababu Naidu’s remarks, accusing him of damaging the sanctity of the temple and hurting the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus. “Chandrababu Naidu committed a great sin by damaging the sanctity of the divine temple Tirumala and the faith of hundreds of crores of Hindus,” said Reddy.
The Sacred Tirupati Laddu
The Tirupati Laddu, a sweet offered to Lord Venkateswara and distributed as prasadam to devotees, has a legacy spanning more than 300 years. The laddu preparation takes place in a special kitchen called Potu, where only a particular sect of laddu makers, known for their centuries-old expertise, are allowed to work.
These laddu makers observe strict rituals while preparing the prasadam, including shaving their heads and wearing only a single clean cloth. The first laddu from every batch is offered to the deity before being mixed with the rest of the batch and distributed to devotees.
The temple provides one laddu free to every devotee exiting the temple, while additional laddus can be purchased for Rs 50 each.
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