South India witnessed major developments today as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay reviewed the progress of the Chennai Metro Rail expansion project, aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion across Chennai.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to prepare for a potentially severe drought due to the anticipated impact of El Niño, stressing the need to protect farmers, secure drinking water supplies, and ensure crop insurance coverage.

Meanwhile, lakhs of devotees gathered for the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina pilgrimage in Andhra Pradesh, while thousands participated in the annual Kallazhagar Temple Chariot Festival in Madurai, one of Tamil Nadu's most significant religious celebrations.

CM Vijay Reviews Chennai Metro | Andhra Braces for El Niño Impact | Temple Festivals Draw Lakhs

India's first private gold mine to begin commercial operations from June 24. Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh is set to enter a new phase in mineral extraction with chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu launching commercial operations of India's first private gold mining project at Jonnagiri in Kurnool district on Wednesday.


Chandrababu Naidu Unveils Multi-Million Dollar Gold Mine Project 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced financial incentives of Rs 30,000 for the birth of a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth in a family, as part of efforts to reverse the state’s declining population trend. Addressing a public meeting at Narsannapeta in Srikakulam district on Saturday, CM Naidu said the government had taken the decision and would announce further details within a month.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I have made a new decision. We will provide Rs 30,000 immediately after the birth of a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth child. Isn’t this the right decision?” Naidu said on the sidelines of the SwarnaAndhra–SwachAndhra cleanliness programme.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-arrests-pune-teacher-the-second-mastermind-who-leaked-neet-ug-biology-question-paper-1778944438945">CBI arrests Pune teacher, the ‘second mastermind’ who leaked NEET-UG Biology question paper</a>&nbsp;CM Naidu, who earlier advocated population control measures, said the time had now come for society to work together to increase the birth rate.&nbsp;Naidu’s latest announcement follows an earlier proposal to provide a Rs 25,000 incentive for the birth of a second child.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-if-pakistan-continues-to-harbour-terrorists-they-will-army-chief-upendra-dwivedi-issues-stern-warning-1778937070757">‘If Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists, they will...’: Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi issues stern warning</a>&nbsp;On March 5, he had informed the state assembly that the state government was considering an incentive of Rs 25,000 for couples having a second child.&nbsp;Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav later said that the government had decided to extend the incentives to families having a third child and beyond.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-who-replaced-mohd-sinwar-and-helped-plan-oct-7-attacks-killed-says-israel-1778933840744">Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel</a>&nbsp;Naidu said changing social and economic trends are influencing family size, with some couples opting for a single child as incomes rise, while others choose a second child only if their firstborn is not a boy. He said this was contributing to a decline in population growth and stressed the need to maintain the replacement-level Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1. Naidu noted that a population remains stable when the average fertility rate is 2.1 children per woman and warned that declining populations and ageing societies in several countries have hurt economic growth.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-killed-32-injured-as-freight-train-hits-bus-at-rail-crossing-in-bangkok-1778952168722">Eight killed, 32 injured as freight train hits bus at rail crossing in Bangkok&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;He added that declining populations and ageing societies in several countries have negatively affected their economies.&nbsp;Naidu also rejected the notion that children are a burden and said that they are an asset.&nbsp;

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said changing social and economic trends are influencing family size, with some couples opting for a single child as incomes rise, while others choose a second child only if their firstborn is not a boy.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced financial incentives of Rs 30,000 for the birth of a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth in a family, as part of efforts to reverse the state’s declining population trend. Addressing a public meeting at Narsannapeta in Srikakulam district on Saturday, CM Naidu said the government had taken the decision and would announce further details within a month. “I have made a new decision. We will provide Rs 30,000 immediately after the birth of a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth child. Isn’t this the right decision?” Naidu said on the sidelines of the SwarnaAndhra–SwachAndhra cleanliness programme. Also Read: CBI arrests Pune teacher, the ‘second mastermind’ who leaked NEET-UG Biology question paper CM Naidu, who earlier advocated population control measures, said the time had now come for society to work together to increase the birth rate. Naidu’s latest announcement follows an earlier proposal to provide a Rs 25,000 incentive for the birth of a second child. Also Read: ‘If Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists, they will...’: Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi issues stern warning On March 5, he had informed the state assembly that the state government was considering an incentive of Rs 25,000 for couples having a second child. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav later said that the government had decided to extend the incentives to families having a third child and beyond. Also Read: Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel Naidu said changing social and economic trends are influencing family size, with some couples opting for a single child as incomes rise, while others choose a second child only if their firstborn is not a boy. He said this was contributing to a decline in population growth and stressed the need to maintain the replacement-level Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1. Naidu noted that a population remains stable when the average fertility rate is 2.1 children per woman and warned that declining populations and ageing societies in several countries have hurt economic growth. Also Read: Eight killed, 32 injured as freight train hits bus at rail crossing in Bangkok He added that declining populations and ageing societies in several countries have negatively affected their economies. Naidu also rejected the notion that children are a burden and said that they are an asset.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said changing social and economic trends are influencing family size, with some couples opting for a single child as incomes rise, while others choose a second child only if their firstborn is not a boy.

Andhra CM offers cash incentives of ₹30,000 for 3rd child, ₹40,000 for 4th to reverse declining population trend

Narendra Modi visited the residence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and shared a light-hearted interaction with HRD Minister Nara Lokesh. During the meeting, PM Modi jokingly advised Lokesh not to lose more weight, prompting smiles all around. Lokesh later called the Prime Minister his “fitness model.” The informal exchange added a personal touch to an otherwise important political meeting in Andhra Pradesh.


PM Modi Visits Chandrababu Naidu Residence, Shares Warm Moment With Nara Lokesh 

In a landmark development for Andhra Pradesh, the long-pending dream of establishing Amaravati as the State’s capital received a decisive boost after Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026. The move has formally granted legal backing to Amaravati as the capital, marking a significant milestone in the state’s political and administrative journey.


Andhra Pradesh: CM Naidu's Push Finally Succeeds; Amarvati Named Capital Officially After 12 Years

The Tirupati laddu controversy centers on allegations of adulterated ghee used in TTD prasadam between 2024 and 2026. Investigations by a Special Investigation Team and a CBI-led probe found that ghee supplied to the temple was mixed with vegetable oils, non-dairy fats and ester chemicals used to mimic pure ghee. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has alleged the presence of harmful substances, claims that remain under investigation.


Tirupati Laddu Row: CM Naidu Alleges Pre-Planned Attacks on Hindu Faith Under YSRCP Rule

The Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) signed seven Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for enhancement of skills and infrastructure creation in Quantum Computing and AI sectors at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Friday (February 20, 2026). 


AI Impact Summit 2026: Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu To Sign 7 MoUs At The Summit

Accusing Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Friday, made a new claim on the Tirupati laddu row, stating that “bathroom cleaning chemicals” were used to adulterate the ghee used for making prasadam at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple. “Even in the Srisailam Temple, this adulteration seems to have happened," Naidu said at a public event in Kurnool. Naidu’s remarks followed in response to allegations by leaders of the YSR Congress Party, who accused him of “lying” over his earlier claims that ghee used in Tirupati had been mixed with beef tallow and lard, according to a report by the Indian Express. Based on a CBI chargesheet, no traces of tallow or lard were detected in the ghee. Instead, it stated that the product had been adulterated with vegetable oils and chemical substances. The alleged adulteration of the Tirupati prasadam is said to have occurred between 2019 and 2024, a period when the YSR Congress Party was in office under Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. “The latest revelations from the official chargesheet have sparked fresh outrage and deep anguish among devotees of Tirupati laddu, exposing the horrifying truth that a toilet cleaning chemical was used to adulterate the sacred Tirupati Laddu,” a statement from Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party read.<h3>LABSA is “non-food grade”</h3>The TDP stated that based on the chargesheet, Manish Gupta, one of the accused, reportedly prepared invoices in the names of multiple people during the period March 2022 to May 2024. It has been accused that Pomil Jain (accused no. 3) issued purchase orders directly via informal channels, such as WhatsApp, to Manish Gupta. During this time, M/s Aristo Chemicals is alleged to have supplied around 8,900 kilograms of lactic acid and LABSA/acid slurry to M/s Harsh Fresh Dairy Products Private Limited and M/s Bhole Baba Organic Dairy Milk Private Limited (A7). The TDP statement added that LABSA is “non-food grade” and “corrosive industrial substance capable of causing severe chemical burns, internal organ damage, and potentially fatal injuries if ingested”. The YSR Congress Party hit back by accusing the TDP and its leader, Chief Minister Naidu, of attempting to inflame communal sentiments for political advantage. Party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy said the YSRCP would pursue all available options, including approaching the Supreme Court and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), to highlight what he described as the coalition government’s “jungle raj” and the “false narrative” surrounding the Tirupati laddu controversy. Reddy added that the CBI, after concluding its probe, had filed a chargesheet categorically stating that no animal fat was found in the ghee used to make the laddu. “The chargesheet, backed by reports from two Central laboratories, does not mention the names of anyone associated with the YSRCP,” Reddy said. “The facts mentioned in the court-monitored CBI report will prevail, and the one-man commission appointed by Chandrababu Naidu is only an eyewash and will not stand any scrutiny,” he said. “Chandrababu Naidu has been dragging God into politics, and he, along with his son Lokesh and Pawan Kalyan, has been using God for selfish and political gains,” he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-noida-incident-delhi-biker-dies-after-he-falls-into-uncovered-pit-in-janakpuri-1770378122607">After Noida incident, Delhi biker dies falling into uncovered pit in Janakpuri</a>

Based on a CBI chargesheet, no traces of tallow or lard were detected in the ghee. Instead, it stated that the product had been adulterated with vegetable oils and chemical substances.

Accusing Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Friday, made a new claim on the Tirupati laddu row, stating that “bathroom cleaning chemicals” were used to adulterate the ghee used for making prasadam at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple. “Even in the Srisailam Temple, this adulteration seems to have happened," Naidu said at a public event in Kurnool. Naidu’s remarks followed in response to allegations by leaders of the YSR Congress Party, who accused him of “lying” over his earlier claims that ghee used in Tirupati had been mixed with beef tallow and lard, according to a report by the Indian Express. Based on a CBI chargesheet, no traces of tallow or lard were detected in the ghee. Instead, it stated that the product had been adulterated with vegetable oils and chemical substances. The alleged adulteration of the Tirupati prasadam is said to have occurred between 2019 and 2024, a period when the YSR Congress Party was in office under Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. “The latest revelations from the official chargesheet have sparked fresh outrage and deep anguish among devotees of Tirupati laddu, exposing the horrifying truth that a toilet cleaning chemical was used to adulterate the sacred Tirupati Laddu,” a statement from Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party read. LABSA is “non-food grade” The TDP stated that based on the chargesheet, Manish Gupta, one of the accused, reportedly prepared invoices in the names of multiple people during the period March 2022 to May 2024. It has been accused that Pomil Jain (accused no. 3) issued purchase orders directly via informal channels, such as WhatsApp, to Manish Gupta. During this time, M/s Aristo Chemicals is alleged to have supplied around 8,900 kilograms of lactic acid and LABSA/acid slurry to M/s Harsh Fresh Dairy Products Private Limited and M/s Bhole Baba Organic Dairy Milk Private Limited (A7). The TDP statement added that LABSA is “non-food grade” and “corrosive industrial substance capable of causing severe chemical burns, internal organ damage, and potentially fatal injuries if ingested”. The YSR Congress Party hit back by accusing the TDP and its leader, Chief Minister Naidu, of attempting to inflame communal sentiments for political advantage. Party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy said the YSRCP would pursue all available options, including approaching the Supreme Court and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), to highlight what he described as the coalition government’s “jungle raj” and the “false narrative” surrounding the Tirupati laddu controversy. Reddy added that the CBI, after concluding its probe, had filed a chargesheet categorically stating that no animal fat was found in the ghee used to make the laddu. “The chargesheet, backed by reports from two Central laboratories, does not mention the names of anyone associated with the YSRCP,” Reddy said. “The facts mentioned in the court-monitored CBI report will prevail, and the one-man commission appointed by Chandrababu Naidu is only an eyewash and will not stand any scrutiny,” he said. “Chandrababu Naidu has been dragging God into politics, and he, along with his son Lokesh and Pawan Kalyan, has been using God for selfish and political gains,” he added. Also read: After Noida incident, Delhi biker dies falling into uncovered pit in Janakpuri

Based on a CBI chargesheet, no traces of tallow or lard were detected in the ghee. Instead, it stated that the product had been adulterated with vegetable oils and chemical substances.

‘Bathroom cleaning chemicals used in ghee’: Andhra CM's big claim on Tirupati laddu row

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday launched the world's largest quantum skilling programme.


Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu launches world's largest quantum skilling programme

PM Modi interacted with a delegation of Dawoodi Bohra Community members. They thanked him for bringing the Waqf Amendment Act. They expressed commitment for PM's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. PM recalled his strong bonds with members of the Dawoodi Bohra community and praised the community for their social welfare work.

Dawoodi Bohra Leaders Meet PM Modi, Express Support For Waqf Amendment Act

A massive explosion at a firecracker factory in Andhra Pradesh has left eight people dead and seven others injured. Police have recovered all bodies from the site, while locals claim a stockpile of firecrackers caught fire and triggered the blast. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has ordered an immediate probe into the incident.

Andhra Pradesh firecracker factory blast kills 8, CM Chandrababu Naidu orders probe

The recently enacted Waqf Amendment Act 2025 pushes a secularisation of properties owned Muslim religious institutions and charities in India. Clauses allowing for a government say in administration of such properties has raised strong opposition from Muslims that alleges, with non-BJP state governments alleging targeting of minorities. Inside South Asia looks at the various contentious clauses.

Waqf Amendment Act Row Rages On

India's opposition party, Congress, says it will very soon challenge in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Waqf Reservation Bill that was passed in Parliament. The bill was approved by the Parliament after the upper house gave its nod to the contentious bill following an over 13-hour debate.

Waqf Bill sparks nationwide protests, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad rise against amendments

Protests Erupt In Kolkata, Chennai And Ahmedabad Against Waqf Amendment Bill

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced that only Hindus will be allowed to work at the sacred Tirumala Temple. The government plans to relocate workers from other communities while also restricting commercial activities near the Seven Hills. Watch this report for more updates!

India: CM Chandrababu Naidu says only Hindus to work at Tirumala temple

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu urged people to learn as many languages as possible and appealed to them to stay away from "unnecessary politics over languages". Watch in for more details!

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu calls for linguistic freedom in education

Experts say Waqf Amendment Bill is Naidu’s first test of secular image since joining NDA. Andhra Pradesh CM is under pressure from Muslim leaders of his party to oppose the bill. TDP’s Muslim leaders have urged Naidu not to support the proposed amendments. With report of Joint Committee, bill likely to be tabled in the winter session of Parliament. Watch to know more!

Waqf Bill: Chandrababu Naidu Won't Let Any Bill That Harms Muslims Get implemented | WION Originals

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed worry about the region's aging population and encouraged couples to have more children. WION tells you more in this report.

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu Plans New Law To Boost Young Population

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu once again brought up the issue of the ageing population in the region and appealed to people to have more children.&nbsp;

Naidu said that his government was mulling over introducing legislation which restricts participation in the local body election to people who have two or more children.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-south-korea-women-awarded-medals-for-birthing-13-children-each-amid-fertility-crisis-767325">Two South Korean women awarded medals for birthing 13 children each amid fertility crisis</a>

“We are thinking of incentivising families with more kids, encouraging couples to have more children. We have repealed the earlier law barring people with more than two children from contesting local body elections. We will bring in a new law to make only those with more than two children eligible to contest,’’ said Naidu on Saturday (Oct 19).

<h2>CM raises alarm against drop in population growth rate in the state</h2>

Naidu said that young generations have migrated to other parts of the country or overseas, and only the elderly&nbsp;have been left behind in several districts.&nbsp;

"In numerous villages across Andhra Pradesh and the country, the younger generation has relocated to cities, leaving only elderly people behind," Naidu observed.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-46-die-including-37-children-in-bihar-during-festival-of-well-being-762248">India: 46 die, including 37 children, in Bihar during festival of ‘well-being’</a>

The chief minister said that there has been a 1.6 per cent drop in the population growth rate in Andhra Pradesh and in India, the average growth rate has declined from 6.2 per cent in the 1950s to 2.1 per cent in 2021.

“We are already in deficit. Having fewer than two children leads to the rapid decline of the young population. Having more than two kids will ensure a stable population,” Naidu said.

"Countries like Japan, China, and several European nations are facing the consequences of ageing populations, where a significant share of the population is elderly," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu once again brought up the issue of the ageing population in the region and appealed to people to have more children.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu once again brought up the issue of the ageing population in the region and appealed to people to have more children. Naidu said that his government was mulling over introducing legislation which restricts participation in the local body election to people who have two or more children. Also Read: Two South Korean women awarded medals for birthing 13 children each amid fertility crisis “We are thinking of incentivising families with more kids, encouraging couples to have more children. We have repealed the earlier law barring people with more than two children from contesting local body elections. We will bring in a new law to make only those with more than two children eligible to contest,’’ said Naidu on Saturday (Oct 19). CM raises alarm against drop in population growth rate in the state Naidu said that young generations have migrated to other parts of the country or overseas, and only the elderly have been left behind in several districts. "In numerous villages across Andhra Pradesh and the country, the younger generation has relocated to cities, leaving only elderly people behind," Naidu observed. Also Read: India: 46 die, including 37 children, in Bihar during festival of ‘well-being’ The chief minister said that there has been a 1.6 per cent drop in the population growth rate in Andhra Pradesh and in India, the average growth rate has declined from 6.2 per cent in the 1950s to 2.1 per cent in 2021. “We are already in deficit. Having fewer than two children leads to the rapid decline of the young population. Having more than two kids will ensure a stable population,” Naidu said. "Countries like Japan, China, and several European nations are facing the consequences of ageing populations, where a significant share of the population is elderly," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu has a solution for ageing population: 'Have more children'

After Laddu row, Tirupati prepares for the 9-day Brahmotsavam festival. Tirupati has invited devotees from all around the world to offer prayers during the festival. Officials say around a million pilgrims are expected to arrive for Brahmotsavam. Tirupati’s sacred kitchen is gearing up to produce a minimum of 8 lakh laddus a day. Traditional temple cleansing ritual was performed before the festival scheduled from Oct. 4 to 12. Watch to know more!

Tirupati Prepares For Mega Brahmotsavam Festival As It Moves On From Laddu Row | WION Originals

Supreme Court comes down heavily on Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu amid Tirupati Laddu Row. Top Court says ‘show proof of contaminated laddus’. Bench of Justices BR Gavai, KV Viswanathan heard petitions regarding alleged adulteration. Bench posed several questions to AP Govt and Tirumala Tirupati temple management. SC slams Naidu government for going to the press without sufficient evidence. Top Court says constitutional offices are expected to keep religion separate from politics. Watch to know more!

Tirupati Laddu Row: Supreme Court Slams CM Naidu, ‘Show Proof Of Contamination’ | WION Originals

The Supreme Court of India criticised the Andhra Pradesh government regarding the controversy over Tirupati temple prasadam, and questioned why the issue was brought to the media before confirming whether adulterated ghee had been used in making prasadam laddoos.

The Supreme Court of India criticised the Andhra Pradesh government regarding the controversy over Tirupati temple prasadam, and questioned why the issue was brought to the media before confirming whether adulterated ghee had been used in making prasadam laddoos. During the hearing, on Monday (September 30), the court questioned Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's decision to make public statements while the matter was still under investigation. The bench told the state government's lawyer that lab tests revealed the ghee tested was already rejected. The case was heard by Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, who were hearing several petitions seeking a court-observed investigation into the controversy surrounding the Tirupati laddoos. 'We expect the Gods to be kept away from politics': SC to Andhra Pradesh government "Till outcome of SIT probe, what was the need to go to the press?" the Court asked, according to LiveLaw. "When you have ordered an investigation through the SIT, what was the necessity to go to the press?" Justice Gavai asked the State. He also remarked, "When you hold a constitutional office...we expect the Gods to be kept away from the politics." SC to consider handing Tirupati Laddoo probe to independent agency The Court also indicated it might move the investigation into allegations of ghee adulteration with animal fat at the Tirupati Tirumala Temple from the state to an independent body. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was instructed to come back with instructions on October 3. Also read: War of words between BJP and Cong over Kharge's remark on Indian PM Modi “The petition pertains to sentiments affecting crores of people living in the entire world. The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh had gone in public making a statement that the animal fat was being used to make Tirupati laddus under the previous regime,” the Court pointed out. “However, some press reports also show that the Chief Executive Officer of the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam had also made a statement that such an adulterated ghee was never used. The petitions have been filed seeking various prayers including an independent enquiry and directions for regulating the affairs of the religious trusts and specifically the manufacture of prasadam,” it added. Naidu vs Reddy on Tirupati laddoo controversy Earlier this month, Andhra Pradesh CM, N. Chandrababu Naidu, alleged that animal fat was used in preparing the sacred prasadam. He said that during Jagan Mohan Reddy's rule, adulterated ghee had been used for making the laddoos at Tirupati temple. The Andhra Pradesh government set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter. Former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy denied Naidu's claims, accusing him of 'lying' about the Tirupati laddoo prasadam. Also read: Chief Justice of India irked by use of 'yeah, yeah' in court, scolds petitioner, 'This is not a coffee shop' On Friday, Jagan Mohan Reddy cancelled his scheduled visit to Tirumala, accusing the government of issuing notices to his party leaders to prevent them from visiting the temple. “The demon rule is continuing in the state. The government is trying to obstruct my upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. Police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit. The notice states that the visit to the Tirumala temple is not permitted, and the programme organised by YSRCP does not have the necessary approval. Consequently, leaders are not allowed to participate in that programme,” the former chief minister said. (With inputs from agencies)

Tirupati laddoo row: Supreme Court slams Andhra Pradesh govt, says, ‘Keep God out of politics’

Former Chief Minister of the Indian state of&nbsp;Andhra Pradesh,&nbsp;Jagan Mohan Reddy, cancelled his visit to the Tirupati temple on Friday (Sep 27), amid the ongoing laddoo row. &nbsp;

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Chief Reddy was scheduled to visit the temple as part of temple rituals to atone for the "sins" committed by his successor and incumbent&nbsp;Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.&nbsp;

Reddy's plan to visit the temple comes amid the Andhra Pradesh CM's allegation that the previous YSRCP government used animal fat and substandard ingredients for making the prasadam laddoos at Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. The allegations led to major&nbsp;controversies in the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tirupati-prasad-row-ysrcp-moves-andhra-high-court-after-cm-naidus-allegation-of-adulteration-760344">Also read:&nbsp;Tirupati Prasad row: YSRCP moves Andhra High Court after CM Naidu's allegation of adulteration</a>

B Karunakar Reddy, former chairman, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) custodian of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills, said he and the party leaders were issued notices by the police asking them not to defy orders.

Former Andhra Pradesh CM stressed that the "demon rule" is continuing in the state.

He added, "The government is trying to obstruct my upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. Police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit. The notice states that the visit to the Tirumala temple is not permitted, and the program organized by YSRCP does not have the necessary approval. Consequently, leaders are not allowed to participate in that programme."

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Former Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy says "The demon rule is continuing in the state. The government is trying to obstruct my upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. Police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit. The notice states… <a href="https://t.co/Cv78CXMBXU">pic.twitter.com/Cv78CXMBXU</a>
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He added that as a former chairman of the TTD, he should be permitted for a darshan along with seven members which they were planning to utilise on Friday.

Watch |&nbsp;India: Tirupati Temple 'purified' Amid Row Over Alleged Animal Fat In Ladoos

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"Some of our leaders were given notices at midnight not to come out... It is nothing but madness if the officials ask Jagan Mohan Reddy to give a declaration because he offered silk robes to Lord Venkateswara Swamy several times during festivals," Reddy said.

<h2>Police issues notice&nbsp;</h2>

Ahead of their visit, the district police on Friday issued a notice to several leaders and cadres of the party, not to defy Section 30 of the Police Act which is in force.

"Section 30 of the Police Act which regulates public assemblies and processions is in force in the district. We have noticed several postings on social media platforms asking people to gather at certain places in Tirupati. The notices are nothing but cautioning them not to come and defy orders. Jagan Mohan Reddy may also be issued a notice at the airport not to defy prohibitory orders," the official told news agency PTI.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former Chief Minister of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Jagan Mohan Reddy, cancelled his visit to the Tirupati temple on Friday (Sep 27), amid the ongoing laddoo row.

Former Chief Minister of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Jagan Mohan Reddy, cancelled his visit to the Tirupati temple on Friday (Sep 27), amid the ongoing laddoo row. YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Chief Reddy was scheduled to visit the temple as part of temple rituals to atone for the "sins" committed by his successor and incumbent Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Reddy's plan to visit the temple comes amid the Andhra Pradesh CM's allegation that the previous YSRCP government used animal fat and substandard ingredients for making the prasadam laddoos at Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. The allegations led to major controversies in the country. Also read: Tirupati Prasad row: YSRCP moves Andhra High Court after CM Naidu's allegation of adulteration B Karunakar Reddy, former chairman, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) custodian of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills, said he and the party leaders were issued notices by the police asking them not to defy orders. Former Andhra Pradesh CM stressed that the "demon rule" is continuing in the state. He added, "The government is trying to obstruct my upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. Police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit. The notice states that the visit to the Tirumala temple is not permitted, and the program organized by YSRCP does not have the necessary approval. Consequently, leaders are not allowed to participate in that programme." Former Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy says "The demon rule is continuing in the state. The government is trying to obstruct my upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. Police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit. The notice states… pic.twitter.com/Cv78CXMBXU — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2024 × He added that as a former chairman of the TTD, he should be permitted for a darshan along with seven members which they were planning to utilise on Friday. Watch | India: Tirupati Temple 'purified' Amid Row Over Alleged Animal Fat In Ladoos × "Some of our leaders were given notices at midnight not to come out... It is nothing but madness if the officials ask Jagan Mohan Reddy to give a declaration because he offered silk robes to Lord Venkateswara Swamy several times during festivals," Reddy said. Police issues notice Ahead of their visit, the district police on Friday issued a notice to several leaders and cadres of the party, not to defy Section 30 of the Police Act which is in force. "Section 30 of the Police Act which regulates public assemblies and processions is in force in the district. We have noticed several postings on social media platforms asking people to gather at certain places in Tirupati. The notices are nothing but cautioning them not to come and defy orders. Jagan Mohan Reddy may also be issued a notice at the airport not to defy prohibitory orders," the official told news agency PTI. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Andhra Pradesh CM Reddy cancels Tirupati temple visit amid adulterated laddoo row

The ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh claimed that laboratory reports have detected adulterated oil containing “beef tallow” in the ghee used for making the world-renowned Tirupati temple's 'Laddu Prasadam'.

Tirupati Laddu Row: Report Finds Adulteration in Sample, Doesn't Confirm Animal Fat