Political Firestorm Over Tirupati Temple Laddus
A major political controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has alleged that animal fat was used in the Tirupati temple laddus during the YSRCP-led government. These laddus, considered sacred by devotees, have now become the center of a political row.
TDP Claims Lab Confirmation
The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) quickly backed Naidu’s claims. They presented a report from a Gujarat-based livestock lab that allegedly confirmed the presence of “beef tallow” in the ghee used for the laddus. TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy showcased this report during a press conference.
YSRCP Denies Allegations
In response, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) strongly denied the accusations. They accused Naidu of making false claims for political gain. The party defended the quality of ingredients used in the laddus and dismissed the lab report as misleading.
Lab Report Details
The lab report, according to TDP, indicated the presence of “lard” (pig fat) and fish oil in the ghee sample provided by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The sample was submitted on July 9, 2024, and the report was issued on July 16. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Andhra Pradesh government or the TTD.
No Official Confirmation Yet
Despite the claims, neither the Andhra Pradesh government nor the TTD has officially validated the lab report. TTD, which manages the famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, has not released any statement on the matter.
Sanitization Process Has Begun
Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the YSRCP government desecrated the Tirumala temple but assured that efforts to sanitize the temple have already begun. Naidu called this a serious issue that hurt the religious sentiments of devotees.
BJP Demands Legal Action
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a TDP ally, has also demanded legal action. BJP leaders claimed the alleged use of animal fat hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community. Telangana BJP MLA Raja Singh called it a direct assault on cultural and religious heritage.
YSRCP Responds to Allegations
Senior YSRCP leader YV Subba Reddy, who served as chairman of TTD, expressed outrage over the allegations. He said the claims hurt the sanctity of the deity and the sentiments of devotees. Reddy strongly condemned the notion that animal fat was used in the temple’s offerings, calling it a heinous accusation.
This controversy continues to unfold, with both sides standing firm in their positions as tensions rise in the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh.
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