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This article delves into a heated political controversy surrounding the use of animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati laddus, a sacred offering at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh. Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, leader of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), has accused incumbent Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of spreading false information for political gain. Reddy, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, labeled Naidu a "pathological liar" and asserted that Naidu's claims have deeply offended Hindu devotees.
The controversy arose after Naidu, in a legislative party meeting, alleged that animal fat had been used in the preparation of laddus during Reddy's tenure as Chief Minister. Reddy vehemently denied the accusations, stating that a tanker containing potentially adulterated ghee had arrived at the temple on July 12 but was rejected after rigorous quality checks revealed its substandard nature. He emphasized that the temple's strict protocols, in place for decades, ensure the purity of all prasadams (offerings), and this incident was no exception.
Reddy pointed to the fact that every ghee tanker arriving at the temple must undergo a multi-step testing process, including certification from accredited laboratories and on-site analysis of samples. He highlighted that the rejection of the tanker in question clearly demonstrates the robustness of the temple's quality control measures. He further argued that Naidu's delay in raising this issue, which was brought to light more than two months after the incident, exposes his intent to politicize the situation and damage the reputation of the temple.
Reddy underscored the seriousness of Naidu's actions, stating that he had deliberately hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Hindu devotees for political expediency. He appealed to Prime Minister Modi to reprimand Naidu for spreading falsehoods and to restore faith in the sanctity of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple. The controversy has further deepened the political divide in Andhra Pradesh, with Reddy accusing Naidu of employing divisive tactics to distract from the new government's shortcomings.
The incident has raised serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the TTD, a prominent religious institution. The public now awaits a conclusive investigation to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and shed light on the true nature of the controversy. This incident has also highlighted the delicate balance between political maneuvering and religious sensitivities, particularly in a society deeply rooted in faith.
Source: "Chandrababu Naidu Habitual Liar": Jagan Reddy Writes To PM Amid Laddoo Row