Tirupati Laddu Row Escalates as Naidu Alleges Bathroom Chemicals in Ghee
In a dramatic escalation of the Tirupati laddu controversy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has made a shocking new allegation, claiming that "bathroom cleaning chemicals" were used to adulterate the ghee for the sacred prasadam at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple. Speaking at a public event in Kurnool on Friday, Naidu extended his accusations to include the Srisailam Temple, suggesting similar adulteration occurred there.
CBI Chargesheet Sparks Fresh Political Firestorm
The allegations come amid a heated political battle with the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) issued a statement citing a CBI chargesheet that, while not confirming earlier claims of beef tallow and lard contamination, revealed the ghee was adulterated with plant oils and chemicals. The TDP highlighted that the chargesheet identifies substances like Lactic Acid and LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid), describing LABSA as a "non-food grade" and "corrosive industrial substance" capable of causing severe harm if ingested.
According to the TDP, the adulteration is alleged to have taken place between 2019 and 2024, during the YSRCP's tenure in power under then-Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. The party detailed that accused individuals, including Manish Gupta, allegedly prepared invoices under various names from March 2022 to May 2024, with purchase orders issued informally via platforms like WhatsApp.
Jagan Mohan Reddy Accuses Naidu of Exploiting Religion for Politics
In a sharp rebuttal, YSRCP leader Jagan Mohan Reddy condemned Naidu's statements as an attempt to "drag God into politics" for communal and political gain. Reddy asserted that the CBI chargesheet, backed by reports from two Central laboratories, clearly states no animal fat was found in the ghee and does not implicate any YSRCP associates.
"The facts in the court-monitored CBI report will prevail," Reddy declared, dismissing a one-man commission appointed by Naidu as an "eyewash." He accused Naidu, along with his son Lokesh and ally Pawan Kalyan, of using religious sentiments for selfish ends and announced plans to approach the Supreme Court and National Human Rights Commission to expose what he termed the "jungle raj" and "false propaganda" of the coalition government.
Background and Implications of the Controversy
The Tirupati laddu issue has deep roots in Andhra Pradesh's political landscape, with the TDP and YSRCP trading barbs over temple management and governance. The CBI investigation, initiated amid allegations of corruption and mishandling of temple resources, has now become a focal point in the state's ongoing political strife.
- Timeline: Adulteration alleged from 2019 to 2024, coinciding with YSRCP rule.
- Key Substances: LABSA and Lactic Acid, supplied by M/s Aristo Chemicals to dairy firms involved in ghee production.
- Health Risks: LABSA is described as corrosive and potentially fatal if ingested, raising serious concerns among devotees.
As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the intersection of religion, politics, and public health in India, with both sides leveraging the issue to galvanize support ahead of future electoral battles. The allegations have sparked outrage among devotees, adding a layer of emotional intensity to the already volatile political climate in Andhra Pradesh.
