TDP reaffirms support for Chandrababu Naidu amid Tirupati laddu controversy

In response to the Supreme Court's criticism of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's comments regarding animal fat in Tirupati laddus, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has doubled down on its stance. The controversy stems from Naidu's allegations that the ghee used in the temple prasadam contained animal fat, a claim made without a formal FIR or a completed investigation.

The Supreme Court, while hearing a petition about the Tirupati laddu issue, questioned the timing and basis of Naidu's public statement. Justice K V Viswanathan remarked, "You received the report in July. On September 18, you went public. You claimed an investigation was ordered, yet the report clearly states this ghee was not used. Without certainty, why make such public claims?"

Despite this judicial rebuke, the TDP remains steadfast in supporting Naidu's allegations. TDP national spokesperson K Pattabhi Ram reiterated the party's position, emphasizing that adulterated ghee had indeed been used in the preparation of the laddus. He welcomed the Supreme Court's directive to the Centre to consider a central investigation. Ram stated, "We stand by everything we have said before. Adulterated ghee was used to prepare Tirupati laddus. We welcome the Supreme Court’s ruling today asking the Centre if a central investigation is required. A R Dairy Food Private Limited supplied eight tankers of ghee to TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams)."

Addressing concerns raised by pilgrims about the smell and quality of the laddus, Ram explained that samples from the remaining four tankers of ghee had been tested, with reports available for scrutiny. "At ₹319 per kg, it cannot be that the quality of ghee in the first four tankers was pure and the remaining four tankers were adulterated. NDDB has stood by its report on the ghee samples we have sent. The Andhra Pradesh government will furnish all the reports to the SC,” he added.

The Supreme Court indicated that it would soon decide whether the investigation should continue under the state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) or be handed over to an independent agency. The next hearing is scheduled for October 5.