Chandrababu Naidu Exposes Adulterated Ghee in 20 Crore Tirupati Laddus
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Amaravati, Feb 24 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, asserted on Tuesday that more than 20 crore Tirupati laddus were produced using adulterated ghee and sold during the tenure of the YSRCP.
He alleged that from 2019 to 2024, approximately 59.71 lakh litres of adulterated ghee were delivered to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), costing around Rs. 234 crore.
During a discussion in the State Assembly regarding the adulteration of Tirupati laddus, he mentioned that 20.01 crore laddus were crafted from this compromised ghee and provided to devotees.
Naidu claimed that a syndicate was established to manufacture adulterated ghee for TTD, circumventing regulations and bypassing quality control laboratories.
He noted that after the coalition government assumed office, he referenced an NDDB report concerning ghee adulteration.
Upon bringing this issue to light, the government opted to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
“They contested this, even approaching the Supreme Court, which decreed that political interference must be avoided and that an SIT should proceed with the investigation under the supervision of the CBI,” he recounted.
Naidu indicated that the CBI had submitted a report to the state government recommending actions against the responsible officials, including some recommended adjustments within TTD.
He mentioned that a one-man committee was established to implement actions based on the SIT findings, adding that the Supreme Court dismissed a plea by Subramanian Swamy concerning the committee.
He alleged that the tender regulations were altered between January and February 2020 as part of this adulteration scheme.
Despite the CFTRI's report on ghee adulteration being issued in 2022, Naidu claimed that the then TTD chairman suppressed it, allowing contracts for ghee supply to unqualified firms.
CM Naidu accused the former TTD Chairman Subbareddy’s personal assistant, Chinnappanna, of accepting a bribe of Rs 4.5 crore.
“Investigations uncovered the use of various chemicals in the adulterated ghee production. Technical experts from TTD were even tempted with expensive mobile devices to facilitate this malpractice,” he stated.
The Chief Minister disclosed that the SIT seized drums containing monoglyceride and acetic acid from the dairy and revealed details surrounding a bribe. Charges have been filed against those involved in this conspiracy.
He accused the perpetrators of attempting to conceal their crimes.
Naidu alleged a plot to undermine the sanctity of Sri Venkateswara Swamy and referenced instances of alleged proselytization, highlighting how RTC bus tickets to Tirumala featured advertisements for a Jerusalem pilgrimage.
He asserted that during the YSRCP’s administration, there were orchestrated attacks on the Hindu faith, with 2032 temples targeted and idols desecrated, yet no cases were filed nor proper investigations conducted.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan stated that those responsible for ghee adulteration must face consequences, emphasizing that actions should be taken due to the faith involved.
He noted that the NDDB report had disclosed the use of chemicals commonly associated with animal fat processing in the ghee, while the CBI report clarified that no ghee had been utilized in laddu production.