'YSRCP Does Not Have Necessary Approval': Jagan Cancels Tirupati Visit Amid Laddoo Row

New Delhi: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday cancelled his visit to the Tirupati temple amid an ongoing row over animal fat in laddoos. “The demon rule is continuing in the state. The government is trying to obstruct my upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. Police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit. The notice states that the visit to the Tirumala temple is not permitted, and the program organized by YSRCP does not have the necessary approval. Consequently, leaders are not allowed to participate in that programme”, the YSRCP chief said addressing the media. 

Reacting sharply to CM Naidu's allegations that the YSRCP government used animal fat to make laddoos at Tirupati, Jagan said, "He ( Chandrababu Naidu ) is lying. The ghee procurement e-tender is a routine process that has been happening for decades, every 6 months. The Tirupati laddu is very special. Since my childhood, I know that it is very special. The tender process takes place every 6 months, it’s a routine. It has been happening for years. Anyone who qualifies can participate."  

Moreover, he elaborated, "Every 6 months, tenders (for laddu) are called, and the L1 who quotes the lowest prices gets approved by the TTD Board. There is no government interference. The TTD Board is also very special. Union ministers and other state CMs also recommend the board members. The tenders of TTD were called as per routine, and the suppliers were chosen as per the tender auction. TTD has a robust mechanism. The tankers that come to Tirumala should have an NABL certificate. The suppliers must get the tankers certified and produce the certificate."

"During Chandrababu Naidu ’s regime from 2014 to 2019, nearly 14-15 times, the ghee was rejected due to quality issues. There is a robust process. Similarly, from 2019 to 2024, 18 times it was rejected and sent back. Whatever I am saying is all facts," he added.

For the unversed, the YSRCP chief had said he would visit the temple as part of the statewide temple rituals called for by the party to atone for the 'sin' allegedly committed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu through his allegations on Tirupati laddus. 

Tirupati Laddu Row Latest News: Jagan Mohan Reddy Addresses Media After Cancelling Temple Visit Youtube Channel

Reddy's appeal comes days after Naidu alleged that the previous YSRCP government used substandard ingredients and animal fat to make the laddus at Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. The allegations sparked a massive controversy across the country. Earlier in the day, YSRCP general secretary Gadikota Srikanth Reddy said several leaders of the party in Rayachoti in Annamayya District were warned by authorities not to venture out.