Political slugfest over Tirupati laddu intensifies as Jagan cancels Tirumala trip

The political over adulteration of ghee used for Tirupati laddu intensified in Andhra Pradesh as YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy cancelled his trip to Tirumala temple and said he was denied permission, a charge refuted by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

Reddy was to arrive in Tirupati on Friday evening and do Darshan on Saturday morning to atone for the "sin" allegedly committed by Naidu, who has claimed that animal fat was used to make the laddoos which are offered as 'prasad' at the shrine. Right before his trip, TDP released documents which showed that non Hindu dignitaries had always divulged their religion and declared faith in Lord Venkateswara on a form. TDP dared Reddy to declare his religion. Documents were released to the media which showed even Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and daughter Suhana had declared their religion and their faith in Lord Venkateswara when they visited in 2023.

Reddy, however, cancelled his trip and later addressed a press conference alleging he was denied permission to visit the temple, a charge that has been rubbished by Naidu's TDP.


Sources said that while the rule is an old one, new signboards announcing it have sprung up near the temple after the YSR Congress chief announced his visit on Wednesday. Later, Naidu addressed a press conference and asked Reddy if he were given a notice by the police to not go to the temple. Accusing Reddy of spreading falsehoods, Naidu said, "These are just excuses."

Naidu said that his government would protect Hindu sentiments and that all visitors must follow the traditions of the temple.