'Bathroom-cleaning chemicals used in Tirupati laddus under YSRCP rule', alleges Andhra CM Chandababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. (File photo)

• Naidu alleges previous govt used adulterated ghee in Tirupati laddus for 5 years
• YSRCP denies SIT and lab reports, claims no evidence of adulteration.
• State forms committee to review SIT report on laddu adulteration and suggest action

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday accused the previous YSR Congress Party government of preparing Tirupati laddus using ghee adulterated with substances normally meant for cleaning bathrooms.

Speaking at a village meeting in Kalugotla in Kurnool district, Naidu claimed that such practices amounted to an attack on the sanctity of Lord Venkateswara Swamy and deeply hurt the faith of devotees.

“Ghee made out of bathroom-cleaning chemicals was used in laddus by them (previous YSRCP government),” he alleged, asserting that adulterated ghee was used continuously for five years. He also claimed that similar supplies were sent to the famed Srisailam Temple during the same period.

Naidu said the alleged acts were an attempt to “undermine the prestige of Lord Venkateswara Swamy with adulterated prasadam,” and described the episode as the “greatest sin against God.”

Reports, tests, and counterclaims

Referring to laboratory findings, Naidu said the National Dairy Development Board had found evidence that animal fat was present in ghee samples. “The NDDB clearly stated that (ghee was adulterated with animal fat). I said the same. Today SIT has submitted the report. The SIT report on ghee clearly says that it was adulterated with palmolein oil and chemicals,” he said.

He also cited a 2022 Central Food Technological Research Institute report from the period when the YSRCP was in power, claiming it “clearly stated that there was adulteration,” yet corrective steps were allegedly not taken.

YSRCP leaders, however, maintain that a CBI-led Special Investigation Team has not found evidence of adulteration. Former TTD board chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Y V Subba Reddy said the 2022 CFTRI report did not mention animal fat. “If it was suppressed, then why would I even write to CFTRI to test the samples in the first place,” he asked, rejecting allegations that the report was buried.

Government response and committee

Naidu said his government has constituted a one-man committee to examine the SIT findings, identify lapses and recommend administrative action. “Adulteration of Tirumala laddu prasadam is a grave offence against devotees' faith...no report has given a clean chit to YSRCP in the matter,” he said.

He alleged that lakhs of devotees were fed adulterated laddus over the past five years, causing fear and mental distress. “Referring to the SIT and laboratory reports, he said ghee was prepared using chemicals and palm oil, and other adulterants, calling it a grave wrongdoing and an unforgivable sin.”

Naidu added that the government’s objective was to “rectify the alleged mistake of desecrating Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams with adulterated prasadam” and insisted there is “a lot of difference between the present laddu and the previous one.”

Political reactions

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said the government was acting with “responsibility and caution on sensitive issues of faith.” “No report has given a clean chit so far. Allegations involving animal fat are extremely sensitive and cannot be spoken about lightly,” he said.

Andhra Pradesh BJP president PVN Madhav accused the previous regime of “adulterated thinking and corrupt governance,” stating that preparing laddus with chemically processed ghee was dangerous and hurt religious sentiments.

Naidu warned that intimidation and diversionary tactics would not deter action. “We will not spare the ghee adulteration issue. The previous rulers had committed a major blunder by supplying laddu prasadam made with adulterated ghee to lakhs of people,” he said, stressing that protecting Tirumala’s sanctity is a collective responsibility.