Laddu row: one-man panel a diversionary tactic by TDP, says YSRCP

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Objecting to what it described as baseless allegations and a false propaganda by the ruling coalition, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Thursday said the appointment of a committee to probe the Tirumala laddu issue was nothing but a diversionary tactic aimed at deflecting public attention from the CBI charge sheet, which, it asserted, categorically stated that no animal fat was found in the ghee used for preparing the laddus.

Addressing the media at New Delhi, YSRCP MPs Y.V. Subba Reddy, Mithun Reddy, M. Gurumoorthy, Golla Babu Rao and others said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had clearly concluded that there was no animal fat in the ghee and had not named a single YSRCP leader in its findings. Unable to accept this, they alleged, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had resorted to spreading misinformation and constituted a committee merely to propagate the TDP’s version of events.

The YSRCP leaders criticised the Chief Minister for dragging Lord Venkateswara into what they termed a politically motivated controversy. They rejected allegations that the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) report was suppressed during the previous government’s tenure and clarified that it was Y.V. Subba Reddy himself who had written to CFTRI seeking an investigation. However, they claimed the findings were never formally communicated to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials.

Mr. Subba Reddy said he had approached the Supreme Court seeking a CBI inquiry, following which the central agency conducted a thorough investigation and filed a charge sheet clearly stating that no animal fat was used in laddu preparation. He accused Mr. Chandrababu Naidu of making false and irresponsible claims that hurt the sentiments of devotees. “I am prepared to face any test. If this malicious campaign continues, I will explore legal options,” he warned.

The MPs alleged that despite the CBI and SIT findings, coalition leaders were continuing a targeted smear campaign against the YSRCP, including erecting hoardings and posters across the State to malign party leaders. “We will not remain silent and will explore all available avenues to counter this conspiracy,” they said.

Responding to allegations regarding the award of ghee supply contracts to smaller firms, the leaders said the decision was taken to encourage start-ups and prevent cartelisation by a few large companies, without compromising on quality standards.

They alleged that the continued attacks on YSRCP leaders and their properties were part of a larger conspiracy to divert attention from SIT observations, misuse religious sentiments, and politically exploit Lord Venkateswara for electoral gains.