The Row Over Animal Fat
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's allegations of animal fat in Tirupati laddus have snowballed into a political controversy, with former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy questioning Naidu's credibility. Naidu initially claimed that the ghee used in making the laddus was adulterated with animal fat, but later modified his stance to say that the ghee's quality was substandard.
Jagan's Defence
Jagan has defended the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam's (TTD) quality control mechanisms, stating that the trust's protocols subject all ingredients to rigorous testing, making it impossible for adulteration to occur. He has also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, calling on Modi to reprimand Naidu for spreading "blatant lies."
Ghee Committee's Draft Report
The Ghee Committee's draft report has confirmed that no animal fat was used in preparing the laddus, and that the TTD's procurement process had consistently adhered to strict quality control guidelines.
Pawan Kalyan's Penance
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has embarked on an 11-day penance, portraying the alleged desecration of the laddus as a grave offence against Sanatana Dharma. His statements have highlighted the controversy's communal undertones, with him saying that "the nation would have reacted differently had such an incident occurred in mosques or churches."
Clamour for Probe
Y.S. Sharmila, Jagan's sister and Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president, has requested a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged adulteration. BJP leaders have also joined the fray, demanding action against Jagan and his allies, accusing them of mishandling the temple's administration and disrespecting Hindu traditions.
Naidu's Response
Naidu has announced that the Andhra Pradesh government will establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations. He has also declared that the Tirumala temple will undergo "purification rituals" to cleanse it of any spiritual impurity linked to the scandal.
Devotee's Claim
A devotee has alleged that she found tobacco wrapped in paper inside a laddu that was given to her as prasadam at Sri Venkateswara temple. The development comes amid the row over animal fat allegedly found in Tirupati laddus.