Our Special Correspondent
Amaravati/Tirupati: In a damning revelation, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has accused the previous YSRCP government of allowing substandard ingredients, including animal fat, into the iconic Srivari Laddus at Tirumala, the abode of Sri Venkateswara Swami, the most adored deity of majority Hindu faith not only in India, but across the world.
Naidu’s claims have sent shockwaves across the Hindu community, raising concerns over the mismanagement of one of the most revered temples in the world.
For centuries, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has upheld strict traditions, crafting the world-famous Srivari Laddus using pure ghee and premium ingredients like cashews and raisins. However, under the YSRCP regime, led by Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, a controversial shift in dairy suppliers reportedly compromised the quality of the beloved laddus.
According to Naidu, the root of the problem lies in the TTD’s decision to stop sourcing ghee from the reputed Nandini Dairy in Karnataka—a practice that had been in place until 2014.
After YSRCP came to power, the TTD began purchasing ghee from lesser-known dairies, allegedly to cut costs. This decision, Naidu claims, resulted in a dramatic decline in the quality of the laddus, even leading to laboratory tests that reportedly found traces of animal fat in the ghee used.
TTD’s traditional laddus are considered sacred and are distributed as ‘prasadam’ to millions of devotees every year. Naidu’s allegations not only question the integrity of the TTD board but also suggest a broader attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Tirumala temple during the YSRCP’s tenure.
The controversy extends beyond food quality. Jaganmohan Reddy’s appointment of a TTD chairman allegedly from a non-Hindu faith sparked protests, further inflaming tensions around the temple’s administration. There have also been allegations that individuals from non-Hindu backgrounds were recruited into key positions within the temple administration, flouting Agama Sastras—ancient Hindu temple guidelines.
As the scandal unfolds, current TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao has taken swift action. After laboratory tests confirmed the presence of animal fat in the ghee, the TTD blacklisted the primary supplier, AR Food Dairy Limited from Tamil Nadu, and reinstated Nandini Dairy. The move was seen as an effort to restore the laddus to their original standard.
With a new TTD Board appointed by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-BJP alliance in 2024, led by Naidu and his ally Pawan Kalyan, the focus is on reversing the alleged missteps of the YSRCP government. The Board is keen on enforcing traditional practices and restoring the sanctity of the temple, which attracts over 70,000 devotees daily.
“We are committed to ensuring that the temple’s reputation is not tarnished further. Those responsible for any wrongdoing will be held accountable,” said Additional EO Venkaiah Choudhary in an informal chat with this correspondent. The TTD Board is also reportedly conducting a comprehensive review of the YSRCP-era decisions that may have undermined the temple’s spiritual and cultural integrity.
While Naidu’s revelation has stirred outrage among the Hindu community, attempts to reach former TTD Chairmen Bhuma Karunakar Reddy and Y.V. Subba Reddy—both close to Jaganmohan Reddy—have been unsuccessful by this correspondent.
Meanwhile, a former TTD Executive Officer and state Chief Secretary, who was allegedly sidelined by Jagan’s government for flagging irregularities at the TTD, remains a key figure in the unfolding controversy.
As the investigation deepens, questions persist over how the YSRCP administration managed such a sacred institution. Naidu’s explosive claims have not only reignited a debate over religious and political interference at the TTD but also highlighted the challenges of preserving faith-based institutions from alleged corruption and mismanagement.
This scandal could leave a lasting mark on the YSRCP’s legacy, casting doubt over its handling of one of the most revered Hindu temples in the world. The Andhra Pradesh government now faces mounting pressure to address the issue and restore trust among millions of devotees worldwide.
