Ex-President Kovind Calls Tirupati Laddus’ Adulteration “Highly Unsanctified”

GG News Bureau
Varanasi, 21st Sept. Former President Ram Nath Kovind expressed grave concerns over the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddus, calling the practice as “highly unsanctified” and a “sin” in Hinduism. His remarks came during a two-day national seminar focused on cow, organic farming, and Panchagavya treatment in Varanasi.

Kovind remarked, “All over the country, and wherever our Indians live, very disturbing news is coming about Tirupati Tirumala prasadam. I am not going into its political angle, but I think the faith that people have in their minds for the prasadam raises a lot of doubts.”

The controversy ignited after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that substandard ingredients and animal fat were used in the famous laddus during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government. In response, the YSRCP accused Naidu of making “heinous allegations” for political gain.

Reflecting on his experiences, Kovind shared, “When I came yesterday evening, I did not get the chance to go and have a darshan of Baba Vishwanath… Some of my colleagues who had gone (to the temple) gave me prasad in the evening. I immediately remembered the Tirumala prasadam.”

He added, “This could be the story of every temple, could be the story of every pilgrimage place.” Kovind emphasized that such acts of adulteration are not isolated incidents but rather a “vicious circle” that undermines public trust in religious offerings.