Naidu Accuses Jagan of Tirupati Laddoo Controversy, Demands Inquiry

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has accused his predecessor, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, of compromising the quality of Tirupati’s famous prasadam laddoos. Naidu claimed that during Reddy’s tenure, substandard ghee and even animal fat were used in preparing the sacred laddoos. He called Reddy's defense of the issue "shameless," accusing him of trying to justify the alleged adulteration.

Addressing the media in Vijayawada, Naidu announced the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the matter. He alleged that changes were made under the YSRCP government to reduce the experience and financial requirements for ghee suppliers to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), compromising the quality of the ingredients.

In response, Jagan Mohan Reddy wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing Naidu of spreading lies for political gain. Reddy claimed that the procurement process at TTD had remained robust and that Naidu’s allegations were aimed at diverting attention from his government’s policies. He called for Naidu to be reprimanded for his actions, which he said hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindu devotees.

Meanwhile, TTD Executive Officer Shamala Rao clarified that the temple trust had only recently begun testing ghee for adulteration and that no such tests were conducted previously. She assured the public that measures were being taken to ensure the purity of ingredients going forward, including establishing an in-house testing lab.

The controversy has also reached the courts, with YSRCP leader Y.V. Subba Reddy filing a petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, and another petition being filed in the Supreme Court alleging a violation of religious customs.