Andhra Pradesh Government to Consult Hindu Experts Over Tirupati Laddu Controversy

In light of recent allegations regarding animal fat adulteration in the iconic Tirupati laddus, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Saturday that the state government will consult with pontiffs, sages, priests, and leading experts in Hinduism to determine the next steps for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the temple's custodian.

During a legislative party meeting of the National Democratic Alliance ( NDA ), Naidu criticized the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government for allegedly compromising the integrity of the renowned sacred offerings. He claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the production of the famous laddus, known for their distinct flavor.

“We are discussing what to do next and how to go forward with respect to TTD. After deliberating with pontiffs, priests, and Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) experts, we will decide on how the samprokshana (ritualistic sanitisation) should be done,” Naidu stated in an official release.

Highlighting the unique status of the Tirupati laddu, Naidu noted, “Many people tried to make better prasadams (consecrated food) but failed at it. In Ayodhya also they tried to replicate Tirumala laddu and workers were also taken from here but it was not possible. This matter was told to me by people from there (Ayodhya),” he added, asserting that the recipe for the laddu has been preserved for centuries.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of upholding the sanctity of temples and respecting devotees' sentiments. “Every religion will have some customs and traditions and the government needs to protect them,” he asserted, while accusing the YSRCP of neglecting temple sanctity during their tenure.

Naidu took a strong stance against YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's defense regarding the allegations of animal fat, questioning how cow ghee could be sourced at such a low price. He raised concerns about the previous government’s policies, including the controversial reverse tendering process used for procuring ingredients for the laddus, and accused Reddy of engaging in diversionary tactics.

Following the formation of the new government, Naidu instructed the TTD executive officer to initiate a thorough sanitization of Tirumala and enhance the quality of laddus. “For quality laddus, we started buying ghee again from Nandini. He (EO) sanitised but we did not come out and reveal all these things every day. We just went ahead doing the work. I think the deity made me talk about the laddu issue now,” Naidu concluded.

As the government prepares for consultations with religious leaders, the focus remains on preserving the legacy and purity of the beloved Tirupati laddu, which holds immense significance for devotees across the nation.