Reddy's letter responded to Naidu's unfounded claims that animal fat was used in "Tirumala Laddus," warning that such allegations could incite unrest among millions of devoted Hindus.
Published Sep 22, 2024 | 5:22 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 22, 2024 | 5:22 PM
Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's letter to Modi: Concerns for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy voiced serious concerns over, what he described as, outrageous developments affecting the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
The YSRCP chief argued that the integrity and reputation of the sacred institution are under threat from misinformation propagated by his political rival, Chandrababu Naidu.
Reddy’s letter comes in the wake of allegations made by Naidu, who claimed that animal fat was being used in the preparation of the sacred “Tirumala Laddus.” According to Reddy, these claims are not only unfounded but could also provoke significant unrest among the millions of Hindu devotees who regard Lord Venkateshwara and the Tirumala Laddus as sacred.
Reddy alleged that Naidu’s allegations are a deliberate distraction from his government’s shortcomings. “By spreading misinformation regarding TTD’s practices, Naidu aims to divert attention away from his administration’s inability to pass the current budget, fearing it would expose his failure to deliver on promises made during the election campaign,” YS Jagan said.
The ex- chief minister emphasised the gravity of Naidu’s claims, pointing out that they undermine the trust placed in TTD. Reddy asserted that the ghee in question was tested and rejected for quality concerns back in July 2024, dispelling Naidu’s assertions as baseless.
In his letter, Reddy highlighted the robust quality control mechanisms in place at TTD. The organisation operates as an independent trust, governed by a board of trustees composed of eminent devotees and recommended by various political figures, including those from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The TTD has been adhering to stringent procurement protocols for decades, using an e-tendering process every six months to ensure quality, he said.
Despite this, Naidu’s inflammatory comments have created a narrative that could severely damage the sentiments of the Hindu community, Reddy said in his letter. Reddy urged that any allegations should be grounded in fact and not in political expediency.
Adding fuel to the fire, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan initiated an 11-day “Praschit Deeksha” or penance, citing the alleged use of adulterated ghee in the laddus. Kalyan expressed his distress over these claims and emphasised the need for accountability, regarding what he described as a “grievous sin” committed against the sanctity of the Tirumala Laddu.
ఏడుకొండలవాడా..! క్షమించు
•11 రోజులపాటు ప్రాయశ్చిత్త దీక్ష
అమృతతుల్యంగా… పరమ పవిత్రంగా భావించే తిరుమల లడ్డు ప్రసాదం- గత పాలకులు వికృత పోకడల ఫలితంగా అపవిత్రమైంది. జంతు అవశేషాలతో మాలిన్యమైంది. విశృంఖల మనస్కులే ఇటువంటి పాపానికి ఒడిగట్టగలరు. ఈ పాపాన్ని ఆదిలోనే పసిగట్టలేకపోవడం…— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) September 21, 2024
In a statement, he criticised the previous administration for its alleged failure to ensure the purity of offerings. Kalyan called upon followers of Sanatana Dharma to atone for this perceived injustice, stressing that the integrity of religious practices must be upheld.
“When I learned that Laddu Prasadam contained animal remains, my mind was deeply disturbed. I am filled with guilt. As someone who has always fought for the welfare of the people, it pains me that such a grave blunder did not come to my attention sooner. Every believer of Sanatana Dharma must atone for this terrible injustice done to Lord Balaji, the God of Kali Yuga. As part of this, I have decided to undertake Deeksha for penance,” he said.
“My sorrow is further deepened by the fact that even the board members and employees of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam failed to uncover this grave sin. Even those who were aware were unable to speak out, likely out of fear of the demonic rulers of that time,” he said.
“The behaviour of the past rulers, who desecrated the sanctity and religious practices of Tirumala, which is revered as Vaikuntha Dhamam, has deeply hurt the sentiments of every follower of Hindu Dharma. The use of ghee-containing animal remains in the preparation of laddu prasadam has caused immense pain. Now the time has come to take firm steps to restore Dharma,” Pawan Kalyan added.
He did not miss the opportunity to drag other religions into the controversy. “We shouldn’t remain silent when Hindu temples are desecrated. If this happened in mosques or churches, the nation would erupt,” Pawan Kalyan said on Sunday.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
