New Delhi: A devotee has reported a disturbing find of tobacco wrapped in paper inside a laddu, which she received as prasadam (religious offering) at the famous Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. This incident follows recent allegations that animal fat was present in the laddus, sparking a significant political controversy in Andhra Pradesh.Devotees shocking discoveryDonthu Padmavati, a resident of Khammam district, made the alarming discovery after her visit to the temple on September 19. Like many devotees, she took the prasadam home to share with her family and neighbours. As I was about to distribute the laddu, I was horrified to find pieces of tobacco wrapped in a small paper, Padmavati stated, expressing her deep disappointment. The prasadam is supposed to be sacred, and to find such contamination is heartbreaking.Video surfaces on social mediaIts really heartbreaking to see the affairs of Tirumala Tirupati Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple 💔Amber (Tobacco/Gutka) cover is found in Tirumala Laddu Prasada of a devoteeRecently a few friends of mine who had travelled to the temple for darshan have found cigarette buds… pic.twitter.com/Lobqh8S3U9— Karnataka Weather (@Bnglrweatherman) September 23, 2024Impact on devoteesThe revelation has sent shockwaves through the vast number of devotees who visit Tirupati. This comes on the heels of previous claims regarding animal fat in the ghee used to make the laddus. The Tirupati laddu is not only a cherished offering but has also been a symbol of purity and devotion for millions. These recent allegations raise serious concerns about the quality control measures enforced by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the organization that manages the temple.Background of the controversyThe controversy gained traction after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were found in the laddus served at the Tirupati temple during the previous administration of Jagan Mohan Reddy. Citing a report from a private lab in Gujarat, Naidu alleged the presence of beef tallow, lard (related to pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee used for preparation.However, former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy refuted these claims, asserting that no violations took place under his government. Reddy criticized Naidu for engaging in politics in the name of God, labeling him a pathological and habitual liar.
