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The ongoing controversy surrounding the preparation of Tirupati Balaji prasadam laddoos has escalated into a political battle between the current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, and his predecessor, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy. The controversy erupted after Naidu alleged that animal fat was used in the laddoos during Reddy's previous tenure, a claim vehemently denied by Reddy. Naidu has accused Reddy of attempting to justify his alleged crime by providing misleading explanations regarding the tests conducted on the ghee used in the laddoos, calling his statements baseless and unfounded.
Naidu further alleged that the appointment process for the TTD board was manipulated during Reddy's tenure, with individuals lacking faith being appointed and preference being given to non-Hindus. He also claimed that the requirements for ghee suppliers were lowered, enabling the use of cheaper, potentially adulterated ghee. Reddy, in turn, has accused Naidu of using the controversy for political gains and of hurting the sentiments of Hindu devotees. He has refuted the allegations, stating that the procurement process for the ghee has been robust and consistent for decades, including during Naidu's own tenure.
The accusations and counter-accusations have led to a high-level probe being ordered by Naidu, with the investigation being conducted at the IGP level. The controversy has also reached the courts, with a petition filed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking to uncover the truth surrounding the alleged use of animal fat. Additionally, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court alleging that the controversy violates fundamental Hindu religious customs and deeply hurts the sentiments of countless devotees. The debate over the Tirupati laddoos highlights a growing tension between the two political leaders, with both attempting to garner support from the public and exploit religious sentiments for political gain.