I Read Bible, But My Community Is...': Jagan Reddy On Demands To Declare His Faith Amid Tirupati Laddu Row

Updated at : 27 Sep 2024 06:09 PM (IST)

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**Jagan Reddy on Faith and Tirupati Laddu Controversy: 'I Read the Bible, but My Community is Humanity'**

Amid demands from opposition parties, specifically the BJP, to declare his faith before visiting Tirumala, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy addressed the controversy during a press conference on Friday. Responding to calls for clarity on his religious beliefs, Reddy asserted that while he reads the Bible at home, he respects all religions and belongs to the "community of humanity". He made these remarks after cancelling his planned visit to Tirumala, in response to protests from Hindu organisations who opposed his entry to the temple without a formal declaration of faith.

“Many questions have been raised regarding my caste and religion. I read the Bible at home, but I respect and follow Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. I belong to the community of humanity. What does the Constitution say? If a person of my stature, equivalent to a Chief Minister, is being barred from entering a temple, I question how Dalits will be treated,” said Reddy.

This statement came amidst heightened tensions, particularly after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that adulterated ghee, possibly containing animal fat, had been used in the preparation of the famous Tirupati laddus during the YSRCP government’s tenure. With this backdrop, Reddy’s planned visit to the sacred shrine was set to serve as a response to these accusations, which he referred to as an attempt to deflect attention from political issues.

**'Naidu Telling Lies About Laddu Ghee': Jagan Reddy Responds**

During the press conference, Reddy made strong accusations against his political rival, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, claiming that the laddu controversy was being used as a political distraction. According to Reddy, the ghee procurement process for the laddus is highly regulated, and any claims that animal fat had been used were baseless. 

"Chandrababu Naidu is blatantly telling lies. The ghee was rejected 14-15 times during his regime between 2014 and 2019 due to quality issues. Similarly, from 2019 to 2024, the ghee was rejected 18 times. Everything I am saying is based on documented facts," stated Reddy.

He added that ghee procurement for the Tirupati laddus is a long-established process that takes place every six months through an e-tendering procedure. He criticised Naidu for falsely portraying the issue as an affront to the sanctity of the Tirumala temple, which has caused widespread public outcry. 

"Tirupati Laddu is special, and since my childhood, I know its significance. The tender process happens routinely, every six months. Anyone who qualifies can participate, and it’s been happening for decades. Chandrababu Naidu's accusations about animal fat in the laddus are entirely false and aimed at questioning the pride and sanctity of the temple," Reddy argued.

**TTD Officer Confirms: No Adulterated Ghee in Laddus**

Jagan Reddy also referred to statements made by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer (EO), who confirmed that no adulterated ghee had been used in the preparation of the famous laddus. According to Reddy, the EO—originally appointed by Naidu himself—had verified in July that vegetable oil, specifically vanaspati, had been used in some instances, and a show-cause notice had been issued to the suppliers involved.

“The TTD Executive Officer confirmed in July that some vegetable oil (vanaspati) was used, and a show-cause notice was issued to those suppliers. Later, on 20th September, after the controversy erupted, the EO confirmed that no adulterated ghee had been used in the laddus,” Reddy said.

He further claimed that these procurement issues were not new, alleging that during Naidu’s tenure, four tankers of ghee were rejected in 2024 alone. “Four ghee tankers failed the quality test during Naidu’s rule in 2024. The samples were sent to NDDB for the first time instead of CFTRI Mysore. Yet, Chandrababu Naidu continues to spread falsehoods, claiming adulterated ghee was used in laddu preparation. How could this be true if the materials were rejected and never used?” Reddy questioned.

**Political Manoeuvring Amid Temple Entry Restrictions**

In addition to the laddu controversy, Jagan Reddy also spoke about the notices sent to YSRCP leaders, including MLAs and party cadres, barring them from visiting the Tirumala temple. He accused Naidu's government of using these restrictions to divert public attention from the real issues.

"Never before in the history of this country have people been barred from visiting a temple. These notices are being served to my party members, warning them that if they participate in the temple visit program, cases will be registered against them," Reddy said. He expressed frustration over being prohibited from visiting the temple, despite having done so multiple times, both before and after becoming the Chief Minister. 

“In the past, I have visited Tirumala, and after becoming CM, I was invited by the TTD every year. I had the honour of offering clothes to Lord Venkateswara Swamy. Today, to divert attention from Chandrababu Naidu’s actions, they are preventing me from entering the temple,” Reddy lamented.

Jagan Reddy's response to the allegations and the subsequent controversy around his temple visit has been both personal and political. While defending his faith and commitment to all religions, he pointed to political motives behind the BJP and Naidu’s actions. The laddu ghee controversy, coupled with his barring from Tirumala, has not only highlighted the religious sensitivities surrounding temple entry but also underscored the deep political divide in Andhra Pradesh.

### Jagan Reddy's Stance Amid Tirupati Laddu Row

In response to concerns raised about the quality of Tirupati laddus, one of the most revered religious offerings in India, Jagan Reddy confirmed that the TTD Executive Officer had clarified in September 2024 that **adulterated ghee was not used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus.** The statement brought some relief to devotees who had been anxious about the alleged compromise in the quality of the sacred prasadam. The controversy about the laddus, a symbol of divinity and devotion, had spiralled into a wider debate about faith, particularly regarding Jagan Reddy's own religious beliefs.

### The Tirupati Laddu Controversy: A Brewing Storm

The **Tirupati laddu row** began earlier in 2024 when rumours spread that substandard ingredients, including adulterated ghee, were being used in the preparation of the iconic prasadam. Devotees of Lord Venkateswara expressed concerns that the sanctity of the laddus was being compromised. While the TTD has always prided itself on maintaining the highest standards, this controversy ignited a storm, pushing **Jagan Reddy to make a public statement**.

When asked to comment on the controversy, **Jagan Reddy emphasised** the need for transparency. He said, **“I read the Bible, but my community is Hindu. My faith doesn’t affect my responsibility to ensure that traditions are upheld with utmost sincerity.”** This assurance, combined with the statement from the **TTD Executive Officer** confirming that no adulterated ghee had been used, sought to quell concerns and restore confidence among the devotees.

### Faith and Leadership: Jagan Reddy’s Unique Position

Jagan Reddy has often been the subject of discussions about his faith. As a Christian by birth, his spiritual practices have led some to question his commitment to the Hindu-majority population of Andhra Pradesh. However, Jagan has always maintained that his personal faith does not hinder his role as the chief minister. His statement, **“I read the Bible, but my community is Hindu,”** has been widely interpreted as his way of recognising the diversity of faiths within the state while reaffirming his respect for all religious traditions.

The **Tirupati laddu row** only added fuel to the ongoing debate about Jagan's religious identity. In response to demands that he declare his faith, Jagan Reddy made it clear that faith is a personal matter. He reiterated that **the TTD had confirmed no adulterated ghee was used** and that the state's rich religious heritage would be protected under his leadership. His ability to navigate such controversies, despite the pressure from various groups, demonstrates his resolve to maintain a balanced and inclusive approach to governance.

### The Role of TTD in Andhra Pradesh Politics

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, one of the wealthiest and most significant religious institutions in India, holds immense cultural and political weight in Andhra Pradesh. With millions of devotees visiting the temple every year, the administration of the TTD is always under scrutiny. Therefore, any controversy, like the **Tirupati laddu row**, can quickly snowball into a political issue.

Jagan Reddy’s leadership is often tested in situations like these. His response to the **demands to declare his faith** amid the Tirupati laddu controversy was measured, balancing his personal beliefs with his role as a leader of a diverse state. He stood by the statement from the **TTD Executive Officer**, assuring the public that **adulterated ghee was not used in the preparation of the laddus**, thereby upholding the trust placed in the institution.

### Community Response to Jagan Reddy’s Faith

Despite Jagan Reddy's repeated affirmations of respect for all religions, certain sections of the community have continued to question his religious identity. The statement, **“I read the Bible, but my community is Hindu,”** is his way of addressing these concerns. For many, it is a reminder that one's faith does not define their ability to lead a multi-faith society like Andhra Pradesh.

https://vdbaa.com/fullpage.php?section=General&pub=514948&ga=g The **Tirupati laddu row** served as a backdrop to these larger discussions about faith and identity in Indian politics. By confirming that the TTD had maintained the sanctity of the laddus, **Jagan Reddy successfully quelled concerns** while also addressing the demands placed on him to declare his personal faith.

### Conclusion: Moving Beyond the Tirupati Laddu Row

As 2024 progresses, the **Tirupati laddu row** is likely to fade into the background, but the larger conversation about faith and leadership will continue. Jagan Reddy, with his calm yet firm response, has shown that he is more than capable of addressing these sensitive issues. His statement, **“I read the Bible, but my community is Hindu,”** may be seen as an acknowledgment of his personal faith, but it is also a testament to his respect for the diverse religious landscape of Andhra Pradesh.

By confirming that **no adulterated ghee was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus**, both Jagan Reddy and the TTD have put to rest concerns over the sacred prasadam. However, the underlying tensions about faith and identity in politics will likely persist, with Jagan Reddy continuing to navigate these challenges as he leads the state forward.

In the end, Jagan Reddy's approach reflects a broader lesson in leadership — that personal faith need not clash with public responsibility. His handling of the **Tirupati laddu row** and the demands to declare his faith have only reinforced his commitment to serving all communities, ensuring that religious traditions and state governance coexist harmoniously.