In the ongoing controversy regarding the alleged adulteration of Tirupati Prasad, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu asserted on Sunday that his government prioritizes the sanctity of temples and the sentiments of devotees. He accused the previous government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of undermining these sentiments.
Naidu claimed that the former YSRCP administration played with the emotions of the people and failed to honor their religious sentiments. “Every religion has certain traditions and commitments, and the government needs to respect all of them,” he said during a media interaction at the TDP central office.
He criticized the previous government for not only failing to protect the sanctity of religious practices but also for allegedly destroying Amaravati and attacking those who raised concerns. “The YSRCP leaders have mastered the art of counterattack, fake propaganda, and false rebuttal after committing crimes,” Naidu stated.
Following the allegations, Naidu mentioned that upon taking office, he instructed the Executive Officer to enhance the quality of the Tirupati Laddu. “The EO has taken serious measures to improve the quality of laddu and blacklisted various companies that were supplying ghee,” he added.
The Chief Minister noted that further discussions are underway to determine the best steps for Tirumala, with consultations planned with religious leaders. He emphasized the need for a cleansing operation in all temples across the state.
In response to Naidu’s allegations, former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing Naidu of attempting to tarnish the reputation of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for political gain. He described Naidu as a “pathological and habitual liar” whose actions have hurt the beliefs of countless devotees.
The controversy gained traction after Naidu claimed on September 19 that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddu during the previous YSRCP government contained animal fat. This has raised significant concerns among devotees and sparked a heated political debate in the state.
