‘Keep Gods out of politics’: SC questions Andhra CM’s claim

TIRUPATI LADDU ROW | Observing that Gods should be kept away from politics, the Supreme Court on Monday raised concerns over Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's public statement regarding the alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous government's tenure.

The court underlined the importance of keeping religious matters separate from politics while questioning the timing and necessity of such a controversial claim.

The Apex Court, represented by Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan, was hearing a batch of pleas seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged use of animal fat in the Tirupati laddus. These sweet offerings, distributed at the famous Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple, hold immense religious significance for millions of devotees worldwide.

Chief Minister Naidu had earlier this month claimed that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous government led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. This allegation sparked a massive political controversy in the state, with the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) circulating a laboratory report to support their claim.