TPN , Amaravati — The Tirumala Srivari Laddu Prasadam adulteration case has ignited a political firestorm in Andhra Pradesh, with leaders from the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YCP) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) exchanging sharp criticisms. YCP officials are pushing back against claims of ghee adulteration, labeling the allegations as false propaganda.
In a recent statement, AP Minister and senior TDP leader Payyavula Keshav condemned YCP’s proposed pujas in temples across the state on September 28, intended to seek forgiveness from Lord Venkateswara Swamy for the sins of their alliance leaders. He argued that the initiative is merely a political maneuver by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, asserting, “The Tirumala affair is a political event for Jagan, but it is a sentimental event for us.”
Keshav questioned the need for YCP to publicly acknowledge any wrongdoing, stating, “Why must they say that a misdeed has happened?” He emphasized that the adulteration allegations are grounded in truth, insisting that the mistakes stem from Jagan’s lack of faith in God.
Challenging Jagan to sign a declaration in Tirumala if he truly believes in the sanctity of the temple, Keshav claimed that devotees are forced to atone for the Chief Minister’s alleged wrongdoings. He accused the YCP of manipulating public sentiment and emphasized, “Adulterated ghee is real… Jagan’s worship is a lie.”
Keshav expressed confidence that devotees should be consulted regarding the quality of laddoos in the past compared to the present, suggesting that this inquiry would reveal the facts. He pointed out a previous incident during the YCP government’s tenure when a TTD member raised concerns about the purity of ghee being used, only to be dismissed by party leaders.
The ongoing controversy highlights the deepening political divides in Andhra Pradesh, with the Tirumala affair serving as a focal point for broader issues of governance, trust, and accountability in the state. As the situation unfolds, both parties continue to grapple for public support amid rising tensions.