YS Jagan accuses Chandrababu Naidu of maligning TTD's sanctity, writes to PM Modi

AMARAVATI: YSR Congress Party president and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of deliberately spreading false claims about the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and the preparation of the revered Tirumala Laddus.

In a detailed letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jagan alleged that Naidu’s actions were politically motivated, designed to malign the sanctity of the TTD and divert attention from the failures of his government.

The controversy stems from Chandrababu Naidu’s allegation, made during a political meeting on September 18, that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirumala Laddus was adulterated with animal fats. This statement, Jagan Reddy said, was entirely baseless and aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the TTD, one of the most important Hindu religious institutions in the world. Tirumala Laddus, considered sacred prasadams, hold immense significance for millions of Hindu devotees across the globe. Naidu’s claims, Jagan argued, have the potential to cause deep distress and outrage among these devotees.

In his letter, Jagan Mohan Reddy highlighted that the alleged incident involved a tanker containing ghee that arrived at Tirupati on July 12, 2024, which was rejected by the TTD after quality tests found it substandard. He clarified that the ghee in question was never used in the preparation of any prasadam. The rigorous quality control measures in place at TTD, which have been followed for decades, ensured that the adulterated ghee was identified and rejected. Despite this, Chandrababu Naidu made a public accusation two months later, falsely claiming that animal fats had been used in the preparation of the sacred Tirumala Laddus.

Jagan Mohan Reddy further explained that the procurement of ghee for the TTD is done through a transparent and stringent e-tendering process that occurs every six months. Suppliers are selected based on the quality and price of the ghee they offer, and all tenders are approved by the TTD Board of Trustees, which includes individuals of high integrity, some of whom are also affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Before any ghee is used in the temple, samples are tested by agencies accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). If even one sample fails to meet the standards, the entire consignment is rejected, as was the case in July 2024.

He emphasised that such robust procedures have been in place for decades, including during Naidu's previous tenure as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019. He pointed out that multiple instances of tanker rejections had occurred under both the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) administrations. For example, between 2014 and 2019, 14 to 15 tankers of ghee were rejected, while during the YSRCP government from 2019 to 2024, 18 tankers were turned away after failing quality checks. Reddy stressed that these long-established protocols make it impossible for adulterated ghee to be used in the preparation of Tirumala Laddus.

The YSR Congress leader also raised concerns about the political motives behind Naidu’s accusations. He suggested that the Chief Minister, facing widespread dissatisfaction over his government’s performance and unfulfilled election promises, sought to deflect public attention by making inflammatory statements about the TTD. According to Jagan Reddy, Naidu's government has failed on multiple fronts, including its inability to pass the state budget for the current financial year, leading to growing discontent among the people of Andhra Pradesh.

Jagan Mohan Reddy called Naidu’s remarks “a blatant lie” and “an irresponsible statement” made with the sole intention of damaging the reputation of the TTD and creating unnecessary suspicion among the public. He accused Naidu of using religious sentiments for political gain, which, he warned, could have far-reaching consequences, potentially inciting unrest among the millions of Hindu devotees who revere the Tirumala temple and its traditions.

The letter also underscored the fact that the TTD operates as an independent trust, with the Board of Trustees responsible for overseeing its administration. Jagan Reddy clarified that the state government of Andhra Pradesh has very little role in the management of TTD’s affairs. He praised the Board's members, who come from diverse backgrounds and are often recommended by Union Ministers and Chief Ministers from various states, for maintaining the high standards of the institution.

Jagan Mohan Reddy urged Prime Minister Modi to intervene in the matter, asserting that Naidu's false statements must be addressed promptly to prevent further damage to the reputation of the TTD and to restore the faith of the public in its management. He emphasised that holding Naidu accountable for his remarks was necessary to bring clarity to the situation and prevent further exploitation of religious sentiments for political purposes.

He called for corrective measures to ensure that the truth is brought to light, thereby preventing the spread of misinformation and safeguarding the sanctity of the Tirumala temple and its centuries-old traditions.