Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday announced a Special Investigation Team to probe the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus, as the row reverberated across the country

Amidst the escalating controversy over alleged adulteration in Tirupati Prasadam, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala, has announced the formation of a sensory panel to assess the quality of food offerings, following a controversy over the alleged adulteration of ingredients used in the temple’s famous laddu prasadam.

Reddy pointed out that the ghee of questionable quality was not used to prepare the laddus, as insinuated by the Chief Minister, and emphasised the robust system in place at TTD for several decades to ensure that adulterated ingredients are not used.

In his letter, former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy clarified that the procurement of ghee for the Tirupati laddoo prasadam has been conducted through an e-tendering process, which takes place every six months.

In his eight-page letter, Jagan called Naidu a "habitual liar" and accused him of undermining the beliefs of millions for political gain.

YSR Congress chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention into the Tirupati laddu adulteration issue and that Chandrababu Naidu be reprimanded.

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that attempts are being made by CM Naidu to irreparably tarnish the sanctity, integrity, and reputation of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).