Jagan Mohan Reddy cancels Tirupati temple visit amid laddu row

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy cancelled his visit to the Tirupati temple amid the ongoing row over the laddu on Friday. He was to visit the temple as a part of YSRCP’s statewide temple rituals to atone the “sins” committed by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

The YSRCP chief accused Naidu of spreading lies and calls his governance a "monster's regime", in a press conference. He also denied all allegations of the Tirupati laddu being adulterated.

"CM Chandrababu Naidu is telling lies. The ghee procurement e-tender is a routine process that has been happening for decades in every 6 months. Tirupati Laddu is very special. Since my childhood, I know that it is very special," Reddy said.


"Every 6 months tenders (for Laddu) are called and the L1 who quotes for lower prices, gets approved by the TTD board. There is no government interference. The TTD board is also very special. Union Ministers and other state CMs also recommend the board members. The tenders of TTD were called as per routine and the suppliers were given as per the tender auction. TTD has a robust mechanism. The tankers that come to Thirumala should have an NABL certificate. The suppliers should get the tankers certified and produce the certificate," he added.

He said that the ghee was rejected multiple times in the last decade as there is a robust process.

"During Chandrababu Naidu regime from 2014 to 2019 nearly 14-15 times, the Ghee was rejected due to quality issues. There is a robust process. Similarly from 2019 to 2024, 18 times it was rejected and sent back. Whatever I am saying is all facts," the former CM said.

Reddy's appeal comes days after Naidu alleged that the previous YSRCP government used substandard ingredients and animal fat for making the laddus at Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati.

The allegations sparked a massive controversy across the country.

When contacted B Karunakar Reddy, former chairman, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) custodian of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills said he and several party leaders were issued notices by the police asking them not to defy orders.

He, however, said as former chairman of the TTD, he is entitled for a darshan along with seven members which he is planning to utilise today.

"Some of our leaders were given notices at midnight not to come out... It is nothing but madness if the officials ask Jagan Mohan Reddy to give a declaration, because he offered silk robes to Lord Venkateswara Swamy several times during festivals," Reddy said.

Likely notice by police

Ahead of YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's planned visit to Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala Hills, the district police on Friday issued notice to several leaders and cadre of the party not to defy Section 30 of the Police Act which is in force. According to a senior police official, the police may also issue a notice to the former chief minister after he lands at Renigunta Airport near here later in the day, before proceeding to Tirumala, not to defy prohibitory orders.

The police are forced to issue notices to the YSRCP leaders at several places in the district as messages are being spread on social media platforms asking the party cadre to gather at some locations in Tirupati in a show of solidarity with the former chief minister.

"Section 30 of the Police Act which regulates public assemblies and processions is in force in the district. We have noticed several postings on social media platforms asking people to gather at certain places in Tirupati. The notices are nothing but cautioning them not to come and defy orders. Jagan Mohan Reddy may also be issued a notice at the airport not to defy prohibitory orders," the official told PTI.

(With agency inputs)