YSR Congress (YSRCP) Chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has cancelled the upcoming visit to Tirumala temple amid the ongoing controversy over the alleged use of animal fat to prepare laddoos (Indian sweet) that were offered to the deity.

The decision was reportedly taken to avoid any disruptions and safety concerns over the visit of the politician.

The YSR Congress chief was about to visit the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala Hills as part of the statewide temple rituals called for by the party to atone for the “sin” allegedly committed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu through his allegations on Tirupati laddoos, reported India Today.

Earlier, Jagan accused the state government of obstructing him from visiting the Tirumala 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 a visit to the Tirumala temple is not permitted, and the program organised 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 was quoted as saying by India Today.

A controversy erupted in the state after N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the former YSRCP government used substandard ingredients and even animal fat for preparing the laddoos served to Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati.