Synopsis
The Andhra Pradesh BJP has asked former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to declare his faith before visiting the Tirumala temple on September 28. This follows allegations of adulterated prasadam during his tenure. The BJP cites longstanding rules requiring non-Hindus to declare their faith before participating in darshan at the temple.
ANIThe Andhra Pradesh BJP has urged former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to “declare his faith” ahead of his scheduled visit to the Tirumala temple on September 28.
This follows allegations surrounding the sale of adulterated “prasadam” during his tenure. The visit to the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala Hills is part of a statewide series of temple ceremonies organized by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).
The BJP’s demand is based on longstanding rules at the Tirumala temple, where non-Hindus must declare their faith before participating in darshan. Andhra Pradesh BJP Chief Daggubati Purandeswari emphasized the importance of following this tradition.
“We are given to understand that Jagan Mohan Reddy intends to visit Tirumala on the 28th of this month. The practice of declaring one’s faith has been in vogue for decades in Tirumala. As per G.O. MS NO- 311 of AP Revenue Endowments — 1, Rule no 16, Non Hindus must give a declaration at Vaikuntam queue complex before darshan in the faith form. This is also as per TTD general regulations Rule 136,” TOI quoted her as saying.
Purandeswari further added that Reddy should issue the declaration at the Garuda Statue at Alipiri.
The controversy
This visit comes amidst ongoing controversy over allegations that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the YSRCP’s tenure. Former CM N Chandrababu Naidu accused the YSRCP of adulterating the sacred “prasadam,” prompting widespread outrage among devotees.
Naidu’s accusations gained momentum after a laboratory analysis report confirmed the presence of foreign fats, including lard (clarified pig fat), tallow (beef fat), and fish oil, in the ghee samples used for making the laddus. “I was astonished to find that poor-quality material was used to prepare Lord Venkateswara’s prasadam,” Naidu had claimed. The report, however, did not clarify whether the adulteration was intentional or caused by external factors such as animal feed.
As the controversy escalated, Union Health Minister JP Nadda intervened, calling for a thorough investigation and assuring the public that appropriate action would be taken. “I spoke to Naidu after the controversy erupted and announced speaking to state regulators for a thorough investigation,” Nadda stated during a press conference.
In response, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust clarified that the sanctity of the “prasadam” had been restored and temporarily halted the use of cow-based products in the making of Srivari Prasadam. During the YSRCP’s tenure, TTD had switched its ghee supplier from the “Nandini” brand, produced by Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), to a private contractor, which led to quality concerns. However, in August, the NDA government signed a new contract with KMF to ensure the continued supply of high-quality ghee for the laddus.
(With TOI inputs)
