YSRCP Accuses Chief Minister Naidu of Spreading Misinformation About Tirumala Laddu Issue

In a sharp escalation of political tensions in Andhra Pradesh, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has forcefully rejected allegations leveled by the Telugu Desam Party-led National Democratic Alliance government regarding the controversial Tirupati laddu prasadam issue.

During a press conference on Thursday, YSRCP leaders condemned what they described as “baseless allegations” and “false propaganda” orchestrated by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s administration. The controversy centers around claims that the sacred prasadam offered at the revered Tirumala temple contained adulterated ingredients during the previous YSRCP government’s tenure.

A team of YSRCP MPs, including YV Subba Reddy, PV Mithun Reddy, M Gurumoorthy, and Golla Babu Rao, highlighted findings from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report that directly contradicted the Chief Minister’s claims. According to the parliamentarians, the SIT chargesheet categorically stated that no animal fat was detected in the ghee used for preparing the Tirumala laddus, contrary to public statements made by Naidu.

“The SIT has confirmed that there was no presence of animal fat in the ghee, and no YSRCP leader has been implicated in any wrongdoing,” the delegation emphasized. They accused the Chief Minister of being unable to accept the investigation’s findings, suggesting that Naidu established a separate committee specifically to advance the TDP’s political narrative despite the SIT’s conclusions.

The controversy has particularly significant implications given the sacred status of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which administers one of the world’s richest and most visited religious sites. The Tirupati laddu, served as prasadam to millions of devotees annually, is not merely a sweet offering but a sacred symbol of divine blessing for Hindus.

YV Subba Reddy, who previously served as TTD chairman, took particular offense at the allegations. He clarified that he himself had initiated the probe into the quality of ingredients, though TTD officials had failed to inform him about the findings from the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI). Subba Reddy expressed that Naidu’s comments had deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees across the region and beyond.

“If this malicious campaign continues, I will be forced to consider legal options,” Subba Reddy warned, underlining the seriousness with which the YSRCP views these allegations.

The YSRCP representatives further alleged that NDA coalition partners had erected hoardings and banners throughout Andhra Pradesh specifically to damage the reputation of their party using the laddu controversy as political ammunition.

This dispute occurs against the backdrop of intense political rivalry in Andhra Pradesh, where the TDP-led coalition defeated the YSRCP in the recent elections after a five-year term. The laddu controversy has emerged as a flashpoint in post-election political discourse, with religious sentiments being invoked in what appears to be an increasingly bitter political battle.

Political analysts note that controversies involving religious institutions like the TTD can have far-reaching consequences in a state where faith and politics are often deeply intertwined. The TTD, which manages the Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala, handles substantial financial resources and wields significant cultural influence throughout the region.

As the controversy continues to unfold, religious leaders and devotee organizations have expressed concern about the politicization of temple matters, calling for a more respectful approach to issues involving sacred traditions and practices.

Meanwhile, the state government has yet to respond to the latest statements from the YSRCP, leaving observers to speculate whether this controversy will subside or intensify in the coming weeks.