Tirupati laddu row: Tamil Nadu BJP leader lodges police complaint against YouTube channel over 'offensive' video
Sep 26, 2024
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 26 : Amid Tirupati laddu controversy, Tamil Nadu BJP leader Amar Prasad Reddy on Thursday lodged a complaint with the Andhra Pradesh police against a YouTube channel for their video titled "Laddoo Pavangal."
In a post on X, Reddy said, "Under the approval of BJP State Coordinator Thiru H Raja, I have submitted a formal complaint to the DGP of Andhra Pradesh, seeking the registration of an FIR against the PARITHABANGAL YouTube Channel for their offensive video titled "Ladoo Pavangal."
He argued that although the video has been taken down, it insulted Hindu sentiments and attempted to create enmity among communities.
"Even though they've taken down the video, the video not only insults the sentiments of Hindus but also attempts to spread enmity among communities and instigate potential law and order issues," he added.
Reddy also noted that the video defamed prominent public officials, including Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
"I sincerely believe that Andhra Pradesh police and DGP shall take swift and positive action on this critical issue. Such practices of hate and defamation must be condemned and addressed firmly to uphold communal harmony and respect," Amar Prasad added.
Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Anitha Vangalapudi stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has already been formed to investigate the alleged use of 'animal fat' in the preparation of the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam.
Anitha Vangalapudi accused the YSRCP of "trying to cover up" the 'mistakes', as CM Chandrababu Naidu had alleged, in the use of 'animal fat' in the prasadam during the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government.
However, the YSRCP, on the other hand, has urged devotees across the state to participate in temple poojas on Saturday, September 28, aimed at restoring the sanctity of Tirumala, which the party claims was tarnished by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
The controversy over the Tirupati Prasadam began after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus, the prasadam offered at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, during the previous YSRCP government.
However, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed allegations, saying that the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is "politicising religious matters."
Reddy also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on prasadam row alleging that attempts are being made by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to "irreparably tarnish the sanctity, integrity, and reputation" of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.