Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday made sensational and shocking allegations that animal fat was used in Tirupati ‘Laddu’ prasadam during the last five years when YSR Congress party led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was in power. These comments are likely to spark a massive political storm given that Tirupati is one of the most revered holy places for Hindus in our country and lakhs of devotees visit the shrine every day.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government has often been accused in the last five years by the then opposition parties like Telugu Desam Party and Janasena for hurting the sentiments of Hindus by promoting anti-religious elements across the state. They also alleged that Jagan’s government misused crores of money pertaining to TTD board which runs the temple. Moreover, it was also complained several times that the quality of Tirupati prasadam deteriorated due to use of adulterated ingredients.
Now, Chandrababu’s remarks that animal fat was used instead of ghee in the last five will led to huge uproar against Jagan and his party among the Hindus. He fired on the previous government for desecrating the sanctity of the temple. Naidu said that as soon as the NDA government came to power, the TTD board was overhauled and sweeping changes have been made in managing the affairs of the temple. He also said that high quality ghee is now being used in making Laddus.
Reacting on these explosive allegations, YSRCP Rajyasabha MP YV Subba Reddy said Naidu damaged the sanctity and belief of millions of Hindus with his baseless allegations. He slammed the Chief Minister for stooping so low to gain political mileage with his malicious statements on Tirumala. He also challenged that he and his family members are ready to take an oath in the presence of Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy and asked if Naidu is ready to do the same.
It is a known fact that after Chandrababu Naidu took charge as CM, he appointed new officers in different cadres in TTD board. Some contractors have been blacklisted for supplying substandard quality ghee.