JP Nadda Seeks Detailed Report, Assures Action As Row Over Tirupati Laddus Deepens

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing controversy over the Tirupati Laddu Controversy, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday, September 20, stated that he spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and urged him to give a detailed report on the case.

Speaking at a press conference, Nadda said, "I spoke to Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu after getting information about this and took details from him. I have asked him to share the available report so that I can examine it."

The Union Minister further stated that he would also speak to the state regulators and will investigate the matter. He further assured that suitable action will be taken as per the 'food safety standards.'

"I will also speak to the state regulators and investigate this. Suitable action will be taken as per the food safety standards. As of now I have asked for the report and we will examine it."

AP Dy CM Pawan Kalyan Pitches For 'Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board'

This comes as on Friday, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan stated the ongoing Tirupati Laddu Controversy; the actor-turned-politician has condemned the alleged presence of animal fat in the prasadam of Tirupati Temple. Pawan Kalyan has also batted for ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ on a national level.

"We are all deeply disturbed with the findings of animal fat (fish oil, pork fat and beef fat) mixed in Tirupathi Balaji Prasad. Many questions to be answered by the TTD board constituted by YCP Govt then," he said.

"Our Govt is committed to take stringent action possible. But, this throws light on many issues surrounding desecration of temples,its land issues and other dharmic practices. Many be the time has come to constitute a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at a National level to look into all the issues related to temples in entire Bharath," he added.

‘Sanitation Process Has Begun’: Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has alleged that the previous YSRCP government had desecrated Tirumala, the abode of world-renowned Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, but noted the sanitisation process has already begun. The CM further alleged that the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government had served substandard food to the Tirumala devotees to not only undermine its holiness but also hurt the devotees’ sentiments.

“After finding the evidence that substandard ingredients were used to make prasadam (consecrated food), we will take stringent action against the people responsible for it,” said Naidu in a press release. He made these comments on the sidelines of inaugurating an Anna Canteen at the secretariat on Thursday. Anna Canteens offer subsidised meals for poor people.