Tirupati Prasadam row: BJP's Tamil Nadu unit urges Andhra govt to take action to restore trust

Chennai: The BJP's Tamil Nadu unit on Monday urged the Andhra Pradesh government to take swift action to restore the trust of the devotees of Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple following the laddu prasadam controversy.
"To restore trust, the Andhra Pradesh government must take swift action, consider a judicial inquiry, and entrust the CBI with the probe, ensuring transparency, accountability, and robust reforms in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams," ANS Prasad, Tamil Nadu BJP Spokesperson, said in a press statement.
He said that the controversy has shaken the Hindu community worldwide, sparking outrage and demands for accountability. At the heart of the issue is the alleged use of animal fat in the sacred 'laddu' prasadam, a cherished tradition that must be preserved, he said.
"This shocking revelation has led to widespread distress among devotees, with many calling for a thorough investigation, protection of Tirumala's spiritual integrity, and transparency in the temple's management," Prasad said.
"Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu revealed that animal fat was used in the laddu prasad, along with excessive oil and inadequate in-house testing labs. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam sourced oil from five private companies, but one refused to upgrade standards despite quality concerns. Further testing confirmed the presence of animal fat in the oil, causing widespread distress among devotees," he added.
Prasad claimed that the devotees are urging the government to protect Tirumala's spiritual integrity, allocate funds according to the TTD Act, and remove non-Hindu employees.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations about the adulteration of Tirupati Prasadam (laddus).
"We are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officers of IGP and above posts. The SIT will submit a report to the government and we will take action based on that report so that such things are not repeated," Naidu said.
Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu further stated, " I am taking three angles, first, purification, according to traditions. I am ordering an inquiry at the IGP level. Only those who have beliefs will be there in the management committee. Finally, we will prepare standard operating procedures for all the temples."