N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, on Friday announced that the state government plans to prohibit children below the age of 13 from accessing social media platforms within the next 90 days.
Addressing the state assembly, Naidu said the government is also debating whether similar restrictions should apply to teenagers aged between 13 and 16.
“Definitely, we will make sure that within 90 days those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media,” Naidu said during the session.
He added that a final decision on extending the ban to older teenagers will be taken after further discussions.
Government Reviewing Wider Restrictions
According to Naidu, the move is aimed at protecting children from the negative impact of social media, including addiction, exposure to harmful content and mental health concerns.
The government is currently evaluating possible policy frameworks to enforce the restriction effectively.
If implemented, Andhra Pradesh would become one of the first Indian states to impose a strict age-based restriction on social media usage.
Naidu Raises Tirupati Laddu Adulteration Allegations
During his address, Naidu also revisited the controversy surrounding the alleged adulteration of ghee used in the sacred Tirupati laddus offered at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
He described the issue as a serious and deliberate conspiracy.
“Venkateswara Swamy laddu was desecrated. This is not an ordinary crime. It was a deliberate conspiracy,” he said.
The chief minister had previously raised the allegation during a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislative meeting in 2024.
Allegations Against Previous Government
Naidu accused the previous government led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his party YSR Congress Party of failing to safeguard the sanctity of the temple.
He alleged that the earlier administration allowed the use of substandard ingredients and animal fats in the preparation of the revered laddus, which are considered sacred offerings by millions of devotees.
“That party doesn’t seem to have realised it, and there was no answer when Sri Venkateswara Swamy was allegedly desecrated,” Naidu said, criticising the opposition for what he described as a lack of accountability.
Temple Tourism Sees Massive Growth
Despite the controversy, Naidu highlighted that religious tourism in the state has surged significantly.
According to the chief minister, temples across Andhra Pradesh have witnessed up to 70% growth in visitor footfall, indicating strong devotion among pilgrims.
He stressed that true democracy requires respect for the customs, traditions and sanctity of religious institutions, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting them.