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Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), February 3:
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of using adulterated ghee in the preparation of Tirumala laddu prasadam during its rule.
During the Jana Sena Party General Body meeting, he expressed deep anguish over the issue. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), according to him, concluded that the ghee used in the prasadam was not pure. Chemical-based oil and palm oil were allegedly mixed, which severely hurt the faith of devotees.
To protect public sentiment, the SIT avoided clearly stating whether animal fat was present. Pawan Kalyan urged YSRCP leaders to stop spreading misleading narratives. He also stressed the need to place facts honestly before the public.
Allegations of Rule Changes and Sacrilege
Calling the act a sacrilege, the Jana Sena Party chief claimed the previous government altered procurement rules. These changes allegedly enabled the purchase of large quantities of adulterated ghee for Tirumala.
Raising questions over pricing, he pointed out that even high-quality sesame oil costs over ₹400 per kg. Supplying pure cow ghee at lower rates, he argued, was unrealistic. According to him, YSRCP leaders now deny responsibility after losing power.
YSRCP Rejects Claims, Blames Political Motives
Responding to the allegations, YSRCP state spokesperson and former TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy dismissed the charges. He accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of politicising devotees’ faith.
Addressing the media in Tirupati, Bhumana stated that NDDB and NDRI laboratory reports confirmed no animal fat in the ghee samples. A coordinated misinformation campaign, he claimed, falsely targeted YSRCP leaders through hoardings and social media.
“Faith Must Not Be Used for Politics”
According to Bhumana, the SIT found no involvement of the then TTD board. He further alleged that certain technical officials may have colluded with suppliers.
Questioning the continuation of allegations, he asked why leaders repeated claims even after a Supreme Court-monitored probe. He concluded that using Lord Venkateswara and sacred prasadam for political gain was morally wrong and hurt millions of devotees.
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