Andhra Pradesh, Feb 21: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday accused the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of attempting to deflect responsibility in the alleged Tirupati laddu ghee adulteration case by shifting the blame onto others.
Addressing a public meeting in Vinukonda in Palnadu district, Naidu alleged that YSRCP leaders had created hurdles in the probe and even approached the Supreme Court. “To escape from the mistake, they are trying to put it on others,” he said, referring to the alleged adulteration.
The Chief Minister said a CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) found that the substance supplied as ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, was not pure ghee.
Terming the issue a “hereditary problem” inherited from the previous YSRCP regime, Naidu alleged that adulterated laddus were served to devotees between 2019 and 2024. He further claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fats and harmful substances, were allegedly used during the previous government’s tenure.
“Did you eat the laddu given back then? Did you get the fragrance? Did you get the ghee smell?” Naidu asked while addressing the gathering, questioning the quality of offerings during that period.
The Tirupati laddu, considered a sacred prasadam by crores of devotees, became the centre of nationwide controversy following allegations of adulteration, prompting a Supreme Court-appointed SIT to investigate the matter.
Naidu reiterated that his government was committed to ensuring accountability and safeguarding the sanctity of religious institutions, while accusing the opposition of attempting to evade responsibility in the sensitive case.
The issue continues to remain politically charged, intensifying confrontation between the ruling government and the opposition in Andhra Pradesh.
