Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Accuses Previous Government of Using Adulterated Ghee in Sacred Food Items

NEW DELHI:Andhra Pradesh chief ministerN Chandrababu Naiduon 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.by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeThe cost of hearing aids in New Delhi might surprise youHearing AidsLearn MoreUndoNaidu 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.Earlier on Thursday, addressing a press conference, Naidu said he would "spare none" involved in the alleged Tirupati laddu adulteration case.He also announced the formation of a one-man committee to take corrective measures based on an SIT report.Describing ghee adulteration as the "greatest sin against God", he alleged that a 2022 Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) report prepared during the YSRCP government had "clearly stated that there was adulteration", but claimed the irregularities continued.Hitting back, YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP YV Subba Reddy on Thursday said that the 2022 CFTRI report did not mention the use of animal fat in the ghee, though it had purportedly observed adulteration.He rejected the TDP-led NDA government’s allegation that he had suppressed the report. "If it was suppressed, then why would I even write to CFTRI to test the samples in the first place," Subba Reddy said.He further alleged that despite the SIT report "clearing the issue", the state government was continuing to spread false claims and putting up hoardings to blame the YSRCP.