CM Naidu Vows Action Over Alleged Laddu Prasadam Adulteration

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday made serious allegations regarding the adulteration of Tirumala laddu prasadam during the previous government’s tenure, stating that the issue was directly linked to the sentiments and faith of crores of devotees.

Addressing a media conference at the CM Camp Office after meeting NDA leaders, Naidu said Lord Venkateswara was his family deity and asserted that any compromise on the sanctity of Tirumala would not be tolerated. He alleged that grave irregularities had taken place in the preparation of prasadam in the past and accused the previous rulers of playing with devotees’ faith.

The Chief Minister recalled that as early as 2022, reports from CFTRI had clearly indicated adulteration, but no action was taken then. After coming to power, his government collected laddu samples and sent them to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for testing. According to him, SIT findings revealed that ghee was prepared using palm oil and chemical substances such as lactic acid and acetic acid.

Naidu termed the act a “grave sin” and said history had never witnessed anyone playing with the sanctity of Lord Venkateswara. He alleged that even the British respected temple traditions more than the previous rulers. Despite personal abuse and political attacks, he said he could not remain silent when devotees’ faith was under assault.

The Chief Minister also rejected claims that the CBI had given a clean chit, stating that no report had conclusively ruled out adulteration. He accused the previous administration of attempting to divert the issue through counter-attacks instead of accepting responsibility.

Reiterating that protecting Tirumala’s sanctity was everyone’s collective responsibility, Naidu said the government would take all necessary steps to ensure strict punishment for those involved, irrespective of their position. He warned that attempts at intimidation or diversion would not succeed.

Stressing that the government respected all religions and stood for communal harmony, Naidu said the adulteration of prasadam given to lakhs of devotees was unforgivable. “We will safeguard the purity of Tirumala and uphold devotees’ trust. This is true service to God,” he said.