Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday alleged that Tirupati laddus were prepared using ghee adulterated with “bathroom-cleaning chemicals” during the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy–led YSRCP government.Addressing a village meeting in Kalugotla village of Kurnool district, Naidu claimed, “Ghee made out of bathroom-cleaning chemicals was used in laddus by them (the previous YSRCP government).”He alleged that the earlier regime had undermined the sanctity and prestige of Lord Venkateswara Swamy by allowing adulterated prasadam (consecrated food) to be used at the Tirumala temple. Naidu further claimed that such adulterated ghee was supplied not only for Tirupati laddus but also to the famous Srisailam temple during the YSRCP rule.Ghee mixed with chemicals was allegedly used in the preparation of laddus for nearly five years under the previous government, the chief minister added.Naidu said there are two types of chemicals used in ghee, noting that some are of vegetable origin and costlier, while animal fat is cheaper.Reiterating his charge, Naidu said the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) report stated that animal fat was used.Responding to claims by YSRCP leaders that a CBI-led special investigation team (SIT) had given a clean chit in the case, Naidu alleged that Reddy’s uncle and former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy himself had earlier admitted that adulteration had taken place.Naidu said his government was trying to correct the alleged wrongdoing and claimed there was a “lot of difference” between the laddus being prepared now and those made during the previous regime. He alleged that Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) had been desecrated due to the use of adulterated prasadam.
Jagan Reddy hits back
Responding to these allegations, YSRCP chief and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy said the CBI had given a clean chit to Subba Reddy and B Karunakar Reddy in the case.Speaking to reporters, Reddy reiterated that the CBI SIT had categorically stated that there was no adulteration of animal fat in the ghee“As claimed by (chief minister) Chandrababu Naidu there was no trace of beef tallow, lad or animal fat in the ghee supplied to TTD. Chandrababu Naidu undertook a malicious campaign to insult the sentiments of (Tirupati) Venkateswara Swamy devotees,” he said.“Not only that, the CBI also gave a clean chit to former TTD chairmen Subba Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy stating that they did not indulge in any wrongdoing,” Jagan added.However, Naidu rejected claims of a clean chit, stating that the CBI report does not certify anywhere that there was no adulteration. He further accused them of spreading false narratives and launching counterattacks to divert attention from the issue.
