New Delhi: chief minister of andhra pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu On Friday, it was alleged that Tirupati ladoos were made using ghee laced with “bathroom cleaning chemicals” during the YSRCP government led by erstwhile YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.Addressing a village meeting in Kalugutra village in Coonoor district, Naidu claimed, “They (former YSRCP government) used ghee made from bathroom cleaning chemicals in laddus.”He alleged that the earlier regime had compromised the sanctity and prestige of Lord Venkateswara Swamy by allowing adulterated prasadam (sacred food) to be used in Tirumala temples. Naidu further alleged that during the YSRCP rule, this adulterated ghee was supplied not only to Tirupati Ladus but also to the famous Srisailam temple.The chief minister added that the previous government had allegedly been using ghee mixed with chemicals to prepare laddus for nearly five years.Naidu said two chemicals are used in ghee, some of which are of plant origin and are more expensive, while animal fats are cheaper.Reiterating his allegation, Naidu said the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) reported the use of animal fat.While the YSRCP leader claimed that the CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) had come clean in the case, Naidu claimed that Reddy’s uncle and former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy himself had earlier admitted to the adulteration.Naidu said his government was working to correct the alleged wrongdoings and claimed there was a “big difference” between the ladoos prepared now and those prepared during the previous regime. He claimed that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) were desecrated due to the use of adulterated prasadam.Earlier on Thursday, Naidu told a press conference that he would “leave no stone unturned” in the alleged Tirupati Ladu adulteration case. He also announced the formation of a one-man committee to take corrective measures based on the SIT report.Describing adulteration of ghee as the “biggest sin against God”, he claimed that the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) 2022 report prepared during the YSRCP government “clearly pointed out the existence of adulteration” but alleged that irregularities continued.YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP YV Subba Reddy on Thursday hit back, saying that the CFTRI report 2022 did not mention the use of animal fat in ghee, but adulteration was allegedly observed.He refuted the TDP-led NDA government’s allegations that he suppressed the report. “If it was suppressed, then why should I write to CFTRI to test these samples,” Subba Reddy said.He further claimed that despite the SIT report “clarifying the issue”, the state government continues to spread false claims and put up slogans blaming the YSRCP.
