Naidu Vows To Consult Priests Amid Tirupati Laddu 'Animal Fat' Controversy

The Andhra Pradesh government will consult priests and top Hinduism scholars to determine its next steps regarding the ongoing Tirupati Balaji temple 'adulterated prasadam' controversy, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced on Saturday.

This statement comes in the wake of Naidu's recent allegation that during the tenure of the previous government, led by YSR Congress Party leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, 'laddus' offered as prasadam at the renowned Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati contained animal fat.

Photo Credit: PTI

Tirupati Laddu 'Animal Fat' Controversy: Naidu Vows To Consult Priests

Naidu, leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), made the claim, which has since ignited widespread debate. While the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the temple, supported Naidu's claim, Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed it as baseless, as reported by Hindustan Times.

In an official statement, Naidu said, "We are discussing what to do next and how to proceed regarding the TTD. After consulting pontiffs, priests, and experts in Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism), we will decide how the 'samprokshana' (ritualistic purification) should be conducted."

Naidu also acknowledged the difficulty in replicating the sacred Tirupati laddu, which is centuries old. "In Ayodhya, they tried to replicate the Tirumala laddu, but it was not successful. People from Ayodhya told me this," he added.

Amid this controversy, dairy giant Amul has lodged a First Information Report (FIR), claiming that a misinformation campaign has falsely suggested that it supplied ghee used in the temple's laddus, which was allegedly adulterated, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Amul issued a statement clarifying that it has never supplied ghee to the TTD. "Amul Ghee is made from milk at our certified, state-of-the-art production facilities. It has been India's most trusted ghee brand for over 50 years and continues to be an integral part of Indian households. This post is to stop the spread of misinformation," the company said.

As the debate continues, all eyes are on the Andhra Pradesh government's next move, as the temple remains a significant spiritual and cultural symbol for millions of devotees across India.