Controversy Over Tirupati Laddus: Supreme Court Questions Andhra Pradesh CM, Deputy CM Responds

After the Supreme Court questioned CM Naidu's public allegations on Tirupati Prasadam, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan clarified the issue and announced an investigation into violations over the past five years. He emphasized his commitment to Sanathana Dharma and addressing temple desecrations.

After the Supreme Court questioned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for publicly alleging that Tirupati Prasadam was adulterated, State Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan responded on Tuesday, stating that the judges did not claim the laddus were unadulterated. He asserted that the government will investigate violations from the past five years, indicating that the matter extends beyond just the Prasad issue.

Pawan Kalyan clarified, 'I think they said in such a way; they never said it was not adulterated. Whatever information they have on their hands, they commented on that. Supreme Court judges didn't say it was unadulterated; they said there was confusion regarding the date, which will be cleared. But our government will address the violations from the last five years.' He also emphasized his dedication to Sanathana Dharma Parikshana Trust through his 'Prayashchit Diksha' initiative, underscoring the desecration of around 219 temples over the past six years.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, on Monday, questioned CM Naidu regarding his allegations on the use of contaminated ghee in the laddus. Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan reprimanded the Chief Minister, noting the lack of conclusive proof. 'We are prima facie of the view that making such statements during an ongoing investigation was inappropriate for a high constitutional authority, as it could affect the sentiments of millions,' the bench remarked. As a result, the state's SIT investigation into the prasadam issue has been suspended until October 3, pending ongoing Supreme Court hearings.

(With inputs from agencies.)