Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has rejected claims made by the ruling TDP concerning using animal fats within the well-known Tirupati laddoos throughout his tenure, accusing the opposition of diversion techniques.
Allegations Spark Controversy
Jagan Mohan Reddy, in his first remarks for the reason that controversy erupted, dismissed the accusations as “false” and focused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his Telugu Desam Celebration (TDP) for partaking in what he termed “faith-based politics.” The row centres on claims that the ghee used within the preparation of Tirupati laddoos was contaminated with animal fats, together with fish oil and beef tallow.
These allegations got here to mild following a July 17 report from a state-run laboratory in Gujarat, which prompt the presence of animal fats within the ghee. The report has since escalated right into a political and non secular storm, with Naidu’s TDP taking intention at Reddy’s earlier administration.
Tirupati Laddoos Case Reaches Supreme Courtroom
The problem has reached the Supreme Courtroom, with a petition filed on the grounds of potential violations of Article 25 of the Structure, which protects the suitable to freedom of faith. In response, the Union Well being Ministry has requested an in depth investigation, whereas Union Meals Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasised the necessity for accountability, stating that the offender ought to be punished.
Temple Authorities Below Fireplace
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the temple operations, has confronted criticism for not having in-house meals testing services. Based on the temple’s Govt Officer, the dearth of such services hindered routine high quality checks, leaving them depending on exterior suppliers for the standard of elements. The ghee in query was reportedly sourced from a provider in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district.
Political Fallout
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has been vocal in his condemnation of the alleged use of animal fats, stating throughout a legislature social gathering assembly that the present administration had improved the standard of the elements, notably ghee, utilized in making the laddoos. He additional introduced that the temple premises would bear a sanitization course of to deal with the issues.
Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh’s IT Minister and Naidu’s son linked the controversy to an ongoing anti-corruption investigation into the procurement of ghee and greens for the temple kitchen. Jana Sena Celebration chief Pawan Kalyan, additionally the Deputy Chief Minister, expressed outrage, accusing the earlier administration of undermining the sanctity of “Sanatan Dharma.”
YSRCP Hits Again
The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Celebration (YSRCP), led by Jagan Reddy, has fiercely denied the allegations. YV Subba Reddy, a Rajya Sabha MP and former Chairperson of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, referred to as the claims “unimaginable,” asserting that no animal fats may have been used within the sacred meals provided day by day to the deity. One other senior social gathering chief, Karunakar Reddy, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
Nationwide Repercussions
The Bharatiya Janata Celebration (BJP), which is aligned with each the TDP and Jana Sena on the nationwide stage, has additionally condemned the problem. BJP chief Bandi Sanjay criticized the alleged desecration of the “very holy prasadam” and hinted that the controversy would possibly stem from the inclusion of people from different religions on the temple board.
Requires a CBI Inquiry
In the meantime, Congress has remained comparatively quiet within the fray. Nevertheless, YS Sharmila, who leads the social gathering’s Andhra Pradesh unit and is the sister of Jagan Mohan Reddy, has referred to as for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the allegations. Regardless of being siblings, Sharmila and Jagan Reddy share a strained political relationship.
