Tirupati laddu row: TDP ready for central agency probe, YSRCP slams 'heinous' publicity

With the Supreme Court raising a slew of questions to the Andhra Pradesh government over the Tirupati laddu controversy, the ruling TDP on Monday (September 30) said it stands by its claims on the issue and it was also ready for a “central” probe although a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was probing the matter.

The opposition YSRCP used the SC's remarks to attack its rival TDP, saying the “heinous” publicity made over the laddu prasadam issue has hurt the entire world.

TDP leaders insisted that adulterated ghee was used in making the famous Tirupati laddus, as alleged by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu recently.

TDP spokesperson Pattabhi Ram Kommareddy said, "We stand by whatever we have placed before the public. There is no going back. 100 per cent it (adulterated ghee) was used, we have enough evidence to prove it. We have placed everything before the public domain. So, the same will be placed before the court also," he told PTI.

Also Read: Stand by everything we said, says TDP after SC slams Naidu on laddu adulteration claim

We welcome probe by central agency: TDP

Asked about the possibility of a central agency's probe in the matter, he said, "We don't have any problem. We have constituted a Special Investigation Team. The SIT is doing its job. If the Supreme Court says that central government agencies also should be involved in this, we are more than happy. We don't have any issue at all. Ultimately, people behind this should be punished. We welcome if the Supreme Court decides that central government agencies also should investigate. As government of Andhra Pradesh, we welcome it."

Noting that Gods should be kept away from politics, the apex court questioned Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu's public statement that animal fat was allegedly used in making Tirupati laddus under the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime.

Also Read: Supreme Court laddu hearing: Was adulterated ghee actually used in laddu preparation?

Lab report not clear that adulterated ghee was used: SC

The apex court said the laboratory test report was "not clear at all" and it prima facie indicated that “rejected ghee” was subjected to test.

"It is very clear from the report that this is not the ghee which has been used. Unless you are sure, how did you go to public with that?" a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan asked.

The bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to assist it in deciding whether the investigation by the state-appointed SIT should continue or the probe should be conducted by an independent agency.

Also Read: Tirupati laddu row | SC says keep Gods out of politics, questions Andhra CM's claim

YSRCP targets AP govt

The opposition YSRCP targeted the AP government over the matter.

"The heinous publicity made over the laddu prasadam issue has intensely hurt the entire world. A fearsome atmosphere was created and the Hindu community was subjected to violence," party leader B Karunakar Reddy said.

Reddy is a two-time chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the official custodian of Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, a super-rich Hindu shrine in southern Andhra Pradesh.

According to Reddy, the TDP-led state government resorted to massive injustice by dragging God into politics, despite impassioned appeals not to do so.

Also Read: With Tirupati ghee, Naidu is playing with fire

‘CM Naidu should apologise to devotees’

YSRCP leader V Srinivas Rao demanded that the CM apologise to the devotees of Lord Venkateswara for his remarks on Tirumala prasadam.

“Chandrababu's comments about adulteration in the Tirumala laddoo prasadam were criticised by the Supreme Court… even the government lawyer representing the case in the SC clarified that the ghee used was not adulterated, contradicting Chandrababu’s allegations,” said Srinivas in a press release.

YSRCP leader Roja Selvamani said the top court posed questions seeking evidence on ghee adulteration.

TDP spokesperson Jyoshna Tirunagari said the matter is sub-judice and that the courts will do their work.

"And it is a fact that the ghee that was used was adulterated," she added.

Also Read: Tirupati laddu row: Andhra govt appoints SIT to probe alleged adulteration

SIT forms three teams

The Andhra Pradesh Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday (September 30) said a thorough probe will be conducted over the alleged use of animal fat to make the famous Tirupati laddus (consecrated sweet) during the previous YSRCP regime.

SIT chief Sarvashresth Tripathi said the team will investigate Tamil Nadu-based AR Dairy, which allegedly supplied the adulterated ghee while the case registered against it in Tirupati East police station has already been transferred to the SIT.

“SIT officials have formed three teams to probe the matter. We will investigate everybody responsible for the adulterated ghee and there is no definite time period to submit the report,” said TDP sources on Monday, quoting Tripathi.

The Guntur Range inspector general of police (IGP) said that SIT officials will question everybody, including the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board members, officials, and workers.

As part of the probe, SIT officials are expected to visit multiple places, which includes AR Dairy Foods in Tamil Nadu.

An SIT team is expected to inspect the Tirumala laddu kitchen, points of sale, and also enquire with Sri Vaishnavas, who prepare the consecrated sweet, among others.

On Monday, SIT officials visited ghee storage tankers, boondhi potu (laddu ingredient-making place), and also inspected the usage of ghee.

(With agency inputs)