Tirumala (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 24 : Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Tuesday clarified that the rumour about the presence of a tobacco pouch in the sacred Laddu Prasadam is "untrue."
According to the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams stated that "it is inappropriate for some devotees to spread such claims on social media about the presence of a tobacco pouch in Srivari Laddu Prasadam. The Laddus in Tirumala are being prepared by Sri Vaishnava Brahmins with utmost devotion, dedication, and strict adherence to the rules, preparing lakhs of Laddus every day."
The temple authority stated that the laddus are also prepared under "CCTV surveillance."
"It is unfortunate to spread such misinformation about a well-organised system of Laddu preparation. Devotees are requested to take note of this," it added.
This comes after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus, the Prasdam offered at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, during the previous YSRCP government.
Earlier today, Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad staged a protest outside Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams administrative building demanding strict action against those responsible for the alleged use of adulterated ghee in 'laddoo prasadam' offered in Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirupati.
The seers were seen standing outside the building holding posters that read "Save Tirumala" and "Save TTD," among others.
Speaking to ANI, Swami Srinivasananda Saraswati, President of Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad, accused YSRCP President and former Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy of "ruining the sanctity" of Tirumala temple during his tenure.
Following the claims, the state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged adulteration in the prasadam.
However, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed allegations, saying that the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is "politicising religious matters."
Reddy also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on prasadam row alleging that attempts are being made by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to "irreparably tarnish the sanctity, integrity, and reputation" of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
"Chandrababu Naidu, a pathological and habitual liar, has stooped so low as to seriously hurt the beliefs of crores of people purely for political objectives. His actions have indeed lowered not only the stature of a Chief Minister but also that of everyone in public life and also the sanctity of the world renowned TTD and its practices," the letter mentioned.