Former Andhra Pradesh Minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy has staunchly denied the allegations regarding the use of animal fat and sub-standard ingredients in the making of the famed Tirupati laddu, categorically rejecting what he calls politically motivated accusations. In a media interaction, Reddy called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter to reveal the truth, emphasizing that the allegations are part of a calculated political conspiracy by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to distract from his administration's failures.
Speaking to reporters in Nellore, Reddy firmly stated that Naidu is deliberately using these baseless accusations to divert public attention from pressing issues, such as the government's failure to manage floods, the economic mismanagement of the state, and the controversial privatization of the Vizag Steel Plant. He stressed that the ghee used in the preparation of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) laddu undergoes rigorous quality control and testing, a process that has been in place since 2014. He also clarified that in July of this year, four tankers of substandard ghee were identified and promptly returned, demonstrating the institution's commitment to maintaining high standards.
Reddy criticized Chandrababu Naidu for falsely claiming that this rejected ghee was somehow used in the sacred prasadam, labeling it as an outright lie designed to manipulate the public. He went on to challenge Naidu to provide concrete proof of these claims, further mocking his political ally, Pawan Kalyan, by questioning whether the actor-politician was fasting in penance for supporting Naidu's baseless allegations.
At a separate press conference held at the YSR Congress Party office in Tadepalli, former MLA Gadikota Srikanth Reddy joined the chorus of condemnation against Naidu’s accusations. He lambasted the Chief Minister for playing on the religious sentiments of devotees for political gain, asserting that such actions were highly irresponsible and damaging to the reputation of TTD, one of the most respected and sacred institutions in the country. Srikanth Reddy expressed outrage that Chandrababu Naidu would exploit a sensitive religious issue to divert public attention, stating that this strategy was morally and politically reprehensible.
Srikanth Reddy also demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into these claims, stating that TTD has always followed stringent procedures for the procurement and testing of all materials used in the preparation of the prasadam, including ghee. He pointed out that these rigorous checks are in place to ensure the highest quality standards for millions of devotees worldwide, and any suggestion of negligence is entirely baseless. He added that unfounded allegations against TTD could harm the trust and faith of the devotees, which is why an independent investigation is necessary to clear the air.
Drawing attention to Chandrababu Naidu's political history, Srikanth Reddy recalled how Naidu had, in the past, made similar unfounded allegations against the late YSR Jagan Mohan Reddy, including claims regarding the demolition of temples during his administration. He criticized Naidu’s past record, noting that such diversionary tactics have been a hallmark of his political strategy when faced with governance failures or mounting public dissatisfaction.
Kakani Govardhan Reddy and Gadikota Srikanth Reddy expressed their belief that any wrongdoing involving the Lord’s prasadam would have serious repercussions, urging that the truth behind the matter be made public as soon as possible. They reiterated their confidence in the integrity of the TTD and its processes, urging people not to fall for political manipulation.
This controversy has ignited a significant political row in Andhra Pradesh, with leaders from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) uniting in their condemnation of what they perceive as Chandrababu Naidu's use of the sacred Tirupati laddu controversy to score political points. They have argued that Naidu's attempt to associate the YSRCP with wrongdoing related to the laddu is part of a broader pattern of trying to shift focus away from the state government’s numerous failings. This includes its mishandling of crucial economic and administrative issues, as well as its failure to address the pressing needs of the people during times of crisis, such as the recent floods.
Both leaders urged Chandrababu Naidu to cease using religious and sensitive issues as political tools, cautioning that such actions not only undermine faith in the government but also tarnish the image of revered institutions like the TTD. As the political row deepens, both Kakani Govardhan Reddy and Srikanth Reddy reaffirmed their demand for an independent investigation into the claims to ensure that the truth prevails and that the sanctity of the Lord’s prasadam remains untarnished in the eyes of millions of devotees across the globe.
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