Tirupati: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of allegations of adulteration in Tirupati laddus and initiate an inquiry to find out the culprits. This decision was taken in a meeting of the VHP’s central guiding board held in Tirupati.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently alleged that the previous Yuvajana Sramika Raithu Congress Party (YSRCP) government in the state did not even spare the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple and used substandard material and animal fat to make Tirupati laddus, famous for their unique taste.
In a press release, VHP said, “The Supreme Court should take suo motu cognizance of this matter and investigate it within a fixed time frame and identify the culprits of this unpardonable crime and give them severe punishment.”
It said there was no room for negligence and delay in the matter as it could lead to nationwide agitation by members of the Hindu community, who are already agitated over the issue. According to the VHP, the Hindu community is shocked by the allegations and counter-allegations made by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition YSRCP in the southern state against each other in the last four-five days over Tirupati laddus.
It said these developments have hurt the sentiments of crores of devotees of Sri Balaji (Sri Venkateswara Swamy) across the world. The VHP said laddu prasadam (sacred sweet) is considered a blessing from God and is consumed with full faith. It said the allegations of adulteration in laddus have “grossly” insulted the devotees of Lord Venkateswara Swamy.