'Political diversions': Jagan, Sharmila demand Centre's probe in Tirupati laddu allegations

Amaravati: YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu for alleging adulterations in ghee used in the preparation of Tirumala temple laddus. The former chief minister claimed that the allegations were to divert the public’s attention from CM Naidu’s 100-day rule in the State.

Jagan said that he would write a letter to prime minister Narendra Modi and Supreme Chief Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud explaining to them as to how Chandrababu Naidu has twisted the facts and why action should be taken against him for having done so.

During an NDA legislative party meeting on September 18, TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu claimed that the previous YSRCP government did not even spare Sri Venkateswara temple and used substandard ingredients and animal fat for making laddus.

‘Political diversion’

Addressing a press conference on Friday at the party central office in Tadepalli, Jagan said, “Naidu is such a person who can use God also for political gains. This is a diversion from politics. On one hand, people are expressing their anger at Chandrababu Naidu’s 100-day rule. They are demanding about what happened to their ‘Super six’ (poll promises). To divert people’s attention, they concocted this story,” he said.

The ghee adulteration allegations are atrocious, he said and asked if it is fair to play with the sentiments of crores of devotees across the world. All samples, tests and results mentioned in lab test reports as evidence occurred under the NDA government, Jagan said.

‘False positive report possible’

Selecting the ghee supplier is a routine process done every six months by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the managing body of the Tirupati temple. It has been going on for decades together, nothing new.

“The process was never changed and it’s a routine process for suppliers to show NDDB accreditation and samples too are tested. There’s no way for TTD to use adulterated ghee. Going by the report, values were out of range, but it also says a false positive report can be obtained if cows were fed excessively on certain oils or if cows were not fed properly etc,” the YSRCP chief said.

“Why was the NDDB report released in the TDP office? Why has no official commented on it since it was given on July 23?” Jagan questioned.

The YSRCP chief alleged that only CM Chandrababu Naidu can stoop to the lowest level.

“It’s a misfortune for Andhra Pradesh. Under the YSRCP regime, Navaneetha Seva was started, salaries were hiked, temples were built including those in Amaravati, Chennai etc. and the government also helped temple constructions in America,” he said.

Sharmila demands CBI probe

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila Reddy demanded an immediate Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alarming allegations regarding the presence of animal fat in the ghee used to prepare the laddu prasadam of Lord Balaji in Tirumala.

Speaking to the media, Sharmila said that CM Chandrababu Naidu raised serious concerns by stating that ‘fat from dead animals and fish oil was being used in the ghee that serves as an ingredient in the laddu prasadam.’ This statement has sparked significant anxiety among millions of devotees, as the laddu prasadam is a revered offering with deep religious significance.

The chief minister’s comments followed a laboratory report from NDDB CALF Ltd, which purportedly detected beef tallow and other animal fats in ghee samples. Despite the severity of these findings, no formal investigation has been launched by the State government or the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) board.

Sharmila emphasised, “The sentiments of crores of devotees are at stake. If these allegations are substantiated, it would represent a serious act of desecration.” She criticised the lack of action from the State government, highlighting the urgency of addressing these claims.

Sharmila asks for Centre’s intervention

Given the gravity of the situation, Sharmila has urged home minister Amit Shah to initiate a CBI investigation, asserting that accountability is paramount, regardless of political affiliations. “Tirumala is one of the most sacred places in our country, and it is imperative that it remains free from political interference,” she stated.

The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee called on all stakeholders to ensure transparency and uphold the sanctity of religious practices.

Supriya Shrinate demands CBI investigation

Reacting to Tirupati laddu controversy, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said, "I believe that more than as a Congress spokesperson, I would like to answer this as a Hindu. All followers of Hinduism are hurt because Tirupati Balaji temple is a huge symbol of devotion. Lakhs of devotees go there and pray, and when such things come out it scares people and makes them suspect things. There should be a CBI investigation that how was it allowed to happen. How was people's devotion allowed to be played with? Our State Unit president has demanded a CBI investigation, I too join her in the same. Those who are roaming around posing as the 'thekedar' of religion, there is a government of your ally in the state. We demand an answer that what does you ally's government want to say about this."