Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of producing over 20 crore Tirupati laddus using adulterated ghee. He stated that during 2019-2024, 59.71 lakh liters of fake ghee were supplied to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), costing Rs. 234 crore. Naidu mentioned the formation of a syndicate that supplied adulterated ghee to TTD, bypassing quality testing protocols.
After coming to power, Naidu referred to an NDDB report on ghee adulteration and initiated the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The CBI, following a Supreme Court directive, recommended actions against responsible officials and suggested improvements in TTD operations. Naidu alleged changes in tender rules in early 2020 as part of the adulteration scheme.
The CM highlighted instances of bribery and chemical usage in producing fake ghee, leading to the adulteration of laddus. The SIT seized incriminating evidence and filed charges against the conspirators. Naidu expressed concerns over attempts to conceal the wrongdoing and raised issues of attacks on Hindu temples during the previous government’s tenure.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan emphasized the need for strict punishment for those involved in the ghee adulteration scandal, stressing the importance of preserving faith-based practices. He cited reports indicating the use of inappropriate chemicals in ghee production and clarified that no genuine ghee was used in making laddus.
