Tirupati Laddu Prasadam Controversy Sparks Outrage; Special Investigation Team to Probe

Swami Sadanand Saraswati of Dwarka Sharada Peetham Math criticized the alleged adulteration of Tirupati Laddu Prasadam, calling it a violation of Hindu sentiments. TDP spokesperson Kommareddy Pattabhi Ram emphasized the need for accountability. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced a Special Investigation Team to address the issue.

In the midst of the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam controversy, Swami Sadanand Saraswati of Dwarka Sharada Peetham Math expressed strong discontent on Monday, citing a violation of Hindu sentiments and advocating for no government intervention in temple affairs. 'The sentiments of Hindus have been played with. A great sin has been committed. This is why we demand no government interference in temples. Devotees visit with great reverence. Many Hindus do not even consume onions and garlic, yet in the name of Prasad, they were made to eat animal fat,' asserted Swami Sadanand Saraswati.

'This is a major conspiracy. Is it so difficult for a temple that receives crores in donations to buy pure ghee? Only Hindu religious places are under government control. There should be a proper investigation, and the real culprits must face severe punishment,' he added. Meanwhile, TDP spokesperson Kommareddy Pattabhi Ram urged Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and YV Subba Reddy to face the Vigilance Department instead of engaging in what he calls unnecessary drama. 'People around the world have understood how both of them looted TTD and committed the sin of adulterating Lord Balaji's laddu prasad,' Ram remarked.

On Sunday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into allegations related to the adulteration of Tirupati Prasadam. 'We are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officers of IGP and above ranks. The SIT will submit a report to the government, and we will act on that report to ensure such incidents are not repeated,' Naidu stated.

Naidu further elaborated, 'I am addressing three aspects: first, purification according to tradition; second, ordering an inquiry at the IGP level; and third, ensuring only believers are part of the management committee. Finally, we will establish standard operating procedures for all temples.' On September 19, Naidu had sparked political controversy by alleging that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddu prasadam during the previous YSRCP government contained animal fat.

Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district.

(With inputs from agencies.)