The controversy surrounding the sacred Tirupati laddoos has taken a new turn as former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy vehemently denied allegations of adulteration during his tenure. The central government has now sought a detailed report on the matter.
The row erupted after a lab report revealed the presence of animal fat in the laddoos offered as prasadam at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which sees an average daily footfall of over 60,000 devotees. The Tirupati Temple Trust confirmed the findings, describing the quality of the laddoos as “highly adulterated” and vowed to take legal action.
Jagan Mohan Reddy, addressing the media, accused his political rival, Chandrababu Naidu, of playing politics with religious sentiments. He claimed that the lab reports shared by Naidu were from July, during Naidu’s tenure as Chief Minister. Reddy stated that he would write to the Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India to explain how Naidu allegedly twisted the facts.
The Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Shyamala Rao, confirmed that multiple tests had revealed contamination in several ingredients, including pig fat, beef tallow, and palm oil. Rao described the lab reports as “shocking” and mentioned that the ghee suppliers had taken advantage of the lack of in-house testing facilities.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda has requested a comprehensive report from the Andhra Pradesh government on the issue. Meanwhile, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court, seeking an investigation by a sitting judge or a committee appointed by the High Court1.
As the controversy continues to unfold, devotees and political observers alike are keenly watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that maintains the sanctity of the revered Tirupati laddoos.
