YSRCP Criticizes Naidu After SIT Clears Tirupati Laddu Ghee
YSRCP targets Naidu after SIT finds no animal fat in Tirupati laddu.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev
Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, former TTD Chairman and YSRCP district president, conducted a ‘homam’ on 31 January 2026, seeking atonement for the disgrace allegedly caused to Lord Srinivasa’s laddu prasadam. This followed a special investigation team (SIT) report that found no evidence of animal fats in the prasadam, contrary to allegations made by TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu.
Reddy criticized Naidu for making a thoughtless statement that caused pain to devotees. He also pointed out that the supplier had been supplying since 2013, including during the TDP tenure from 2014 to 2019, questioning why no action had been taken at that time.
Key Facts
SIT report: No animal fat in Tirupati laddu
Allegations made by: Chandrababu Naidu
Homam conducted by: Bhumana Karunakar Reddy
Supplier supplying since: 2013
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
GS Paper I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Potential question types: Statement-based questions on the role of religious institutions in governance, and the impact of political allegations on public trust.
Visual Insights
Timeline of Events Related to Tirupati Laddu Prasadam Controversy
This timeline highlights key events leading up to the recent controversy surrounding the Tirupati laddu prasadam and the subsequent SIT investigation.
The controversy highlights the importance of maintaining the sanctity of religious offerings and the potential for political disputes to arise from such issues.
- 2013Current ghee supplier begins providing ghee to TTD.
- 2014TDP government comes to power in Andhra Pradesh.
- 2019YSRCP government comes to power in Andhra Pradesh.
- 2026Chandrababu Naidu alleges animal fats in Tirupati laddu prasadam.
- 2026SIT investigation clears Tirupati laddu ghee of animal fat allegations.
- 2026Bhumana Karunakar Reddy conducts ‘homam’ seeking atonement.
More Information
Background
The Tirupati Laddu, a sweet offered as prasadam at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, has a history stretching back centuries. While the exact origins are debated, culinary traditions at the temple have evolved significantly over time. The modern laddu, as we know it, took shape in the 20th century, with standardized recipes and production methods implemented to meet the ever-increasing demand from pilgrims.
The use of ghee, a clarified butter, is a crucial ingredient, and its quality has always been a matter of importance, given its religious significance and the sheer scale of laddu production. The temple's management, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), has a long-standing responsibility to ensure the purity and quality of all ingredients used in the prasadam.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the TTD has focused on enhancing transparency and accountability in its operations, including the procurement of ingredients for the laddu prasadam. There has been increased scrutiny of suppliers and stricter quality control measures implemented. The TTD has also explored options for modernizing its laddu-making process while preserving the traditional taste and sanctity.
Furthermore, there have been efforts to promote the laddu as a cultural symbol and to protect its intellectual property rights. The controversies surrounding the quality of ingredients, as highlighted in the news, underscore the ongoing challenges in maintaining the highest standards while catering to millions of devotees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key facts related to the Tirupati laddu controversy that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?
For the UPSC Prelims, remember these key facts: The SIT report found no animal fat in the Tirupati laddu, the allegations were made by Chandrababu Naidu, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy conducted a 'homam' in response, and the supplier has been supplying ingredients since 2013.
2. Why is the Tirupati laddu issue in the news recently?
The Tirupati laddu issue is in the news because a SIT report cleared the prasadam of allegations of containing animal fat, leading to criticism of TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu by YSRCP.
3. What is the historical background of the Tirupati Laddu?
The Tirupati Laddu has a history stretching back centuries, with culinary traditions at the Venkateswara Temple evolving significantly over time. The modern laddu, as we know it, took shape in the 20th century, with standardized recipes and production methods implemented to meet the ever-increasing demand.
4. How might this controversy impact the common citizens or devotees?
This controversy could potentially shake the faith of devotees if the allegations were proven true. However, the SIT report has cleared the laddu, potentially restoring confidence. The incident highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in religious institutions.
5. What is the significance of the 'homam' conducted by Bhumana Karunakar Reddy in this context?
The 'homam' was conducted by Bhumana Karunakar Reddy seeking atonement for the disgrace allegedly caused to Lord Srinivasa’s laddu prasadam. It was a symbolic act of purification and a public demonstration of faith.
6. What are the important dates to remember regarding this issue for the UPSC exam?
Key dates to remember are: 2013, when the supplier started supplying ingredients, and 2014-2019, the TDP tenure during which the same supplier was used. Also, remember 31 January 2026, when the homam was conducted.
7. What are the allegations made by Chandrababu Naidu regarding the Tirupati laddu?
Chandrababu Naidu made allegations about the presence of animal fats in the Tirupati laddu. The SIT report later refuted these allegations.
8. What questions might a UPSC interview panel ask regarding this controversy?
The panel might ask about the ethical considerations of making such allegations without proof, the role of political figures in religious matters, or the importance of maintaining the sanctity of religious offerings. They might also ask about the impact of such controversies on public trust.
9. What governance issues are highlighted by this incident?
This incident highlights the importance of quality control and transparency in the procurement of ingredients for religious offerings. It also raises questions about the responsibility of political leaders in making public statements that could potentially incite unrest or damage public trust.
10. What is the Public Trust Doctrine and how does it relate to the Tirupati Laddu controversy?
The Public Trust Doctrine suggests that the government holds certain resources in trust for the benefit of the public. In this context, the TTD, managing the Tirupati temple and its offerings, has a responsibility to ensure the quality and purity of the laddu, maintaining public trust in the institution and its practices.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD): 1. TTD is an autonomous body responsible for managing the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. 2. The TTD board members are appointed by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh. 3. The TTD is solely responsible for the production and distribution of the Tirupati Laddu. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. The TTD is indeed an autonomous body managing the Venkateswara Temple. The Andhra Pradesh government appoints its board members. And the TTD oversees the entire laddu production and distribution process. This question tests basic knowledge about the institution at the heart of the news story.
2. In the context of food safety and standards in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct? A) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for setting standards for food articles. B) The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, consolidates various laws related to food. C) The FSSAI functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. D) State governments have no role in enforcing food safety standards; it is solely the responsibility of the FSSAI.
- A.The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for setting standards for food articles.
- B.The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, consolidates various laws related to food.
- C.The FSSAI functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
- D.State governments have no role in enforcing food safety standards; it is solely the responsibility of the FSSAI.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Option D is NOT correct. While FSSAI sets the standards, the enforcement is a shared responsibility between the central and state governments. State governments have designated officers and agencies to enforce food safety standards within their respective jurisdictions. The other options are correct statements about FSSAI and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
3. Assertion (A): Allegations of animal fats in Tirupati Laddu ghee can significantly impact the sentiments of devotees. Reason (R): The Tirupati Laddu holds immense religious and cultural significance for millions of Hindus. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct? A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. B) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A. C) A is true, but R is false. D) A is false, but R is true.
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true, but R is false.
- D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The religious and cultural significance of the Tirupati Laddu makes devotees highly sensitive to any allegations of impurity or adulteration, especially concerning ingredients like ghee.