Suppressing Facts on Tirumala Laddu Issue Would Betray Devotees: AP CM

In a strong statement in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Friday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asserted that revealing the truth behind the alleged adulteration of Tirumala Srivari Laddu prasadam is a responsibility his government cannot evade.

Participating in a discussion on the issue, the Chief Minister described the controversy as extremely sensitive and said withholding facts would amount to betraying the faith of millions of devotees. Concealing the truth in such a matter, he noted, would be nothing short of a serious offence.

Naidu referred to allegations that during the previous regime led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy , animal fat was allegedly used in the preparation of the sacred Tirupati laddu. He maintained that when credible evidence points to irregularities, it becomes imperative for the government to inform the public.

“If questions arise tomorrow, what answer can we give if we remain silent today?” he asked, adding that the government chose to disclose the issue in order to protect the sanctity of the prasadam.

The Chief Minister recalled that he first raised the matter during the NDA Legislature Party meeting in September 2024. He alleged that the sanctity of the revered Sri Venkateswara Temple had been compromised by the use of substandard ingredients, hurting devotees’ sentiments. The controversy subsequently sparked nationwide debate and widespread reactions within the Hindu community.

Assuring the Assembly, Naidu said the government has taken steps to safeguard the sanctity of temples across Andhra Pradesh . “All temples have now been purified. Devotees need not have any apprehensions. We are committed to preserving the spiritual dignity and sacred traditions of every temple,” he stated.

He clarified that the government’s intention was not to hurt anyone’s sentiments, but to uphold dharma and protect the faith of devotees.