Jagan Accuses Chandrababu of Diverting Attention with Laddoo Controversy!

In a politically charged atmosphere, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused his predecessor, Chandrababu Naidu, of creating the laddoo controversy to divert public attention from his government's failures. The allegations arose after Naidu claimed that animal fat was being used in the preparation of the famous Tirupati laddoos, a sacred offering at the Tirumala temple. Jagan asserted that this controversy was a deliberate attempt by Naidu to shift focus away from his administration's shortcomings during its first 100 days in office, emphasizing that such tactics only serve to undermine the sentiments of devotees.

Jagan's comments came during a press conference where he outlined the timeline of events surrounding the laddoo allegations. He stated that if a report regarding the preparation of laddoos was received on July 23, it would be confidential, and he raised questions about why it was released just as Naidu's government marked its 100 days in power. The former CM claimed that Naidu's accusations were not based on factual evidence but were instead politically motivated. He reiterated that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has robust quality control measures in place to ensure the purity of ingredients used in the laddoos.

The situation escalated when Jagan pointed out that TTD Executive Officer (EO) Shamala Rao had confirmed that no animal fat was mixed with ghee used for making laddoos. He accused Naidu of lying and creating hysteria around the issue to gain political mileage. Jagan emphasized that both his government and Naidu's administration had previously rejected tankers of ghee due to quality concerns, highlighting that this practice is standard and not unique to any particular regime. By doing so, he aimed to reinforce the credibility of TTD's operations and its commitment to maintaining high standards.

As this controversy unfolds, it highlights the ongoing political rivalry between Jagan's YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP). With both leaders vying for public support, the laddoo controversy serves as a battleground for their differing narratives. Jagan's accusations against Naidu not only seek to defend his administration but also aim to rally support among devotees who hold the sanctity of the Tirumala temple close to their hearts. As both parties navigate this contentious issue, it remains to be seen how it will impact their political fortunes in Andhra Pradesh moving forward.