Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday addressed concerns about the quality of ‘laddu prasadam‘ at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala.
Speaking to media after inaugurating a new centralized kitchen by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Naidu said that devotees were pleased with the improvements in the prasadam’s quality.
This comes amid recent allegations that adulterated ghee was used in making laddu prasadam during the previous YSR Congress regime, an accusation denied by former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Naidu mentioned, “Several people expressed happiness saying that they were satisfied (with laddu quality).”
Naidu emphasized that the current administration will not tolerate any impurity in the prasadam. He assured that TTD is committed to ensuring the purity of offerings to Lord Balaji.
“TTD and also the government are here to protect the purity and sanctity of Lord Balaji or Sri Venkateshwar Swamy,” he added.
Earlier, Naidu held a review meeting with TTD officials, instructing them to use only high-quality ingredients in prasadams.
He further suggested that VIP culture be reduced in Tirumala and steps be taken to avoid hustle and bustle when celebrities visit the temple.
Naidu also proposed increasing the forest cover in Tirumala from 72 to 80 percent and involved Endowments Minister Anam Rannarayana Reddy in gathering feedback from devotees for all temples.
Naidu also stayed overnight to offer ‘Pattu Vastralu’ (silk robes) to Lord Venkateswara during the annual Brahmotsavams and launched the TTD calendar and diary for 2025.
