Despite being caught red-handed by the CBI report, the TDP’s campaign against the Tirumala laddu offering continues unabated. Recent reports from Vijayawada indicate that the party is utilizing AI to edit and morph images of the laddu and Lord Venkateswara, posting these altered photos on social media platforms.
In addition to this digital manipulation, banners alleging betrayal by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) have been set up in various locations. The official social media accounts of the TDP are replete with posts that have morphed images of Lord Venkateswara, creating caricatures that mock the deity. This has led to an outpouring of anger from devotees who feel that their faith is being insulted.
Critics argue that the TDP has spread rumors claiming that animal fat was used in the preparation of the prasadam, even though investigations have confirmed that this is not the case. Devotees have expressed their outrage over what they perceive as an attempt to demean their worship and the sanctity of the offerings.
Flex boards claiming that inferior ghee was used in the preparation of the Tirumala laddu have appeared in Piduguralla, Palnadu district. These boards, placed at major junctions throughout the town, assert that “a tremendous sin has occurred, with 68.17 lakh kilograms of adulterated ghee used to prepare 20 crore laddus.” They further accuse YSRCP leaders of pocketing ₹251 crores during their tenure.
The banners prominently feature images of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, as well as former chairmen of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Bhumana Karunakara Reddy and Y.V. Subba Reddy. The TDP has leveraged these allegations, claiming that the supply of adulterated ghee occurred during the YSRCP’s administration from 2019 to 2024.
However, it is essential to note that courts have previously criticized the TDP for making accusations without substantial evidence. The CBI’s investigation ultimately found that there was no adulteration in the ghee samples taken from the laddu preparation.
In light of these findings, the TDP’s ongoing campaign to undermine the integrity of the Tirumala laddu and the associated rituals raises questions about the ethical boundaries of political discourse in the region. As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering how far political parties will go in their quest for power and influence, especially when it comes to matters of faith and devotion.
As the controversy continues, it is clear that the intersection of politics and religion is fraught with complexities, and the actions taken by the TDP may have lasting repercussions on the sentiments of devotees and the broader community in Tirumala.
