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

Observing that at least the Gods should be kept out of politics, a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan questioned why Naidu made the matter public without waiting for the report of the investigation team probing the alleged adulteration to come out.

The court noted that the chief minister made the claim on September 18, even though the FIR in the matter was lodged on September 25 and a special investigation team (SIT) was constituted on September 26.

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" ...it was not appropriate on the part of a higher constitutional functionary to go in public and make a statement which can affect the sentiments of crores of people," the bench said.

TDP defends Gujarat lab report, says ‘ghee was adulterated’

Responding to the Supreme Court’s remarks, TDP national spokesperson K Pattabi Raman said, “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. AR Dairy Food Private Limited supplied eight tankers to TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams).”

Raman said after devotees complained about the smell and quality of laddus, samples from the remaining four (of the eight) tankers were sent for testing, reports of which came positive for adulteration.

“AT Rs 319 per kg, it cannot be that the quantity 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 Supreme Court,” he said.

Naidu’s allegation

A massive political row broke out after Naidu claimed earlier this month that that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati laddus during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the state.

His claims were soon corroborated by Gujarat-based laboratory NDDB CALF (Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock & Food) which said beef tallow, lard, fish oil and palm oil were among the components found in the ghee used in making the laddus at Tirupati. The sample receipt date was July 9 while the report was dated July 16.

The YSR Congress Party rubbished the allegations while accusing Naidu of indulging in "heinous allegations" for political gains.

What SC said

During Monday’s hearing, the Supreme Court 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.

The bench was hearing a batch of pleas, including those seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making the laddus at Tirupati.

During the hearing, the apex court sought proof that contaminated ghee was used in making Tirupati laddus.

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

"At least, we expect the Gods to be kept away from politics," the bench observed.

Mehta told the bench that it was a matter of faith and if contaminated ghee was used in preparation of laddus, it was unacceptable.

The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on October 3.

YSRCP’s reaction to SC remarks

Reacting to the apex court’s observations, YSRCP leader Narayana Murthy said lakhs of people are suffering because of the “unnecessary, unwanted, baseless, proofless comments of N Chandrababu Naidu.”

“...without checking the ghee it is not allowed in the temple premises...Then how can you say that the laddus are made with low-quality ghee or whatever ingredients?...SC has several questions and we are relieved that they have taken charge to bring back the confidence of the people in the temple, we are hoping for positive things on the 3rd of October," he said.