YSRCP Leader Applauds Supreme Court on Tirupati Laddu Controversy

YSRCP leader Narayana Murthy welcomed the Supreme Court's remarks on the Tirupati Laddu controversy, dismissing Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu's claims of 'animal fat' in the prasadam. Murthy criticized Naidu for politicizing faith and hoped for a positive outcome in the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on October 3.

YSRCP leader Narayana Murthy on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's observations on the Tirupati Laddu controversy. The controversy originated after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that 'animal fat' was used in the preparation of the famous prasadam. Murthy expressed his disappointment and called Naidu's allegations baseless and unnecessary.

"Lakhs of people are suffering from these unnecessary, unwanted, baseless, and proofless comments from Chandrababu Naidu... Without checking the ghee, it is not allowed in the temple premises. Then how can you say that the ladoos are made with low-quality ghee or whatever ingredients?" Murthy asked. Murthy also said that the apex court's decision will bring relief to devotees. "Supreme Court judges asked several questions. As a devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I am feeling very happy, and all devotees are feeling relaxed because the Supreme Court has taken responsibility to bring back confidence in the temple," Murthy said.

He also criticized Naidu for politicizing the issue. "Why are you bringing Lord Venkateswara into politics? This is a matter of faith, and it should not be used for political purposes." Murthy reiterated that no low-quality ghee had entered the temple premises and expressed confidence in a positive outcome when the case is heard on October 3.

The Supreme Court on Monday, while hearing a batch of petitions on the 'Tirupati Prasadam' row, said that "Gods should be kept away from politics" while pulling up the Andhra Pradesh government for going to the press about the incident.

The Supreme Court was hearing petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into the allegations of animal fat use in laddus served as Prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. The apex court asked when lab reports had indicated that the ghee was tested, what was the need for the Andhra Pradesh government to go to the press after it ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into it. "Till the outcome of the SIT probe, what was the need to go to the press?" the Supreme Court asked the Andhra Pradesh government.

The government, in response, said it is investigating the issue. Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, appearing for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), said that people had complained the laddu did not taste right. The Supreme Court said the public was not aware of this and that the government had only given a statement without proof. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court, "If this ghee was used, it's unacceptable. It has to be seen who was responsible, and this needs to be examined." The Supreme Court asked whether the SIT already appointed should continue or if an independent agency should conduct the probe.

(With inputs from agencies.)