The sacred Tirumala laddu, offered as prasadam at the Tirumala temple, has become the center of a heated controversy after allegations of adulteration in the ghee used for its preparation. Claims that animal fat was mixed into the ghee have sparked outrage among devotees and triggered a political storm in Andhra Pradesh.
Allegations and Public Outcry:
The laddu, considered one of the holiest offerings in Hindu tradition, is prepared daily by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Allegations of adulteration have shaken public trust, with opposition leaders accusing the temple administration of negligence. The issue quickly escalated into a political flashpoint, with parties trading blame and devotees demanding transparency.
YV Subba Reddy’s Response:
Former TTD Chairman and YSRCP Member of Parliament YV Subba Reddy has strongly rejected the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. He emphasized that no scientific evidence has been presented to support the claims. “If I were guilty, why would I myself file a writ petition in the Supreme Court?” Reddy asked, highlighting that he approached the court in public interest immediately after the controversy broke out.
Reddy pointed out that the Supreme Court has already ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, which is currently underway. He urged political opponents to allow the investigation to proceed instead of sensationalizing the issue. “Dragging Tirumala into politics hurts the sentiments of millions of devotees,” he said, stressing that the sanctity of the temple must be preserved.
SIT Investigation:
The SIT, comprising officials from the CBI and AP‑CID, is examining procurement records and ghee supplies from 2019 to 2024. Preliminary reports suggest that certain ghee tankers flagged during the Chandrababu Naidu government were rejected and never used in laddu preparation. Despite this, selective leaks and speculative figures have circulated, fueling misinformation and damaging the temple’s reputation.
Reddy has even offered to undergo a “Satya Sodhana Pariksha” (truth test) or lie detector test to prove his innocence, underscoring his confidence in the temple’s practices. He criticized attempts to politicize the issue, warning that such actions undermine faith and devotion.
Devotee Concerns:
For devotees, the laddu is more than a sweet - it is a sacred symbol of divine blessing. The controversy has caused distress among worshippers, many of whom travel from across India and abroad to receive the prasadam. Temple authorities have reassured devotees that strict quality checks are in place and that the laddus remain pure and safe.
The Bigger Picture:
The Tirumala laddu adulteration row highlights the delicate balance between faith, politics, and accountability. While allegations have shaken public confidence, Subba Reddy’s demand for proof underscores the importance of evidence‑based inquiry over speculation. As the SIT probe continues, devotees await clarity, hoping the sanctity of the temple’s prasadam remains intact.
For now, the controversy serves as a reminder that religious traditions must be safeguarded from political battles, ensuring that faith remains unshaken and sacred offerings remain untarnished.
