YSRCP Condemns Coalition Government's Allegations on Tirupati Laddu Issue
In a strong rebuttal to what they termed as baseless allegations and false propaganda by the coalition government, YSRCP leaders have declared that the committee appointed to investigate the Tirupati laddu controversy is merely a diversionary tactic. The party asserts that this move is designed to shift public attention away from the recent CBI charge sheet, which explicitly stated that no animal fat was present in the ghee used for the laddus. This contradicts earlier claims made by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, sparking a heated political debate in Andhra Pradesh.
MPs Address Media, Highlight CBI-SIT Report Findings
Addressing the media on Thursday, prominent YSRCP MPs including YV Subba Reddy, Mithun Reddy, M Gurumoorthy, and Golla Babu Rao presented a detailed account of the situation. They emphasized that the CBI-SIT report has clearly confirmed the absence of animal fat in the ghee utilized for the sacred laddus. Furthermore, the report did not implicate any YSRCP leaders, a point the MPs highlighted to counter the coalition's accusations.
The MPs alleged that Chief Minister Naidu, unable to accept these findings, has resorted to spreading false propaganda. They criticized his establishment of a committee as a strategic move to advance the TDP narrative, rather than addressing the factual evidence presented by the CBI. This, they argued, undermines the integrity of the investigation and misleads the public.
Condemnation of Political Exploitation of Religious Sentiments
In a passionate condemnation, the YSRCP MPs accused Naidu of dragging Lord Venkateswara into a political controversy, which they described as deeply disrespectful to devotees' sentiments. They dismissed claims that the Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI) report was suppressed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), clarifying that Subba Reddy himself had initiated the probe by requesting CFTRI involvement and later pursued a CBI inquiry through the Supreme Court.
Subba Reddy stated, "The CBI has categorically stated there was no animal fat in the ghee used for laddus. Naidu's remarks are not only false but also hurt the sentiments of countless devotees. If this malicious campaign persists, I will explore all legal options to protect the truth and our religious values." This statement underscores the party's commitment to defending both factual accuracy and religious sanctity.
Allegations of Malicious Campaigning and Future Actions
The MPs further accused coalition leaders of engaging in a widespread campaign to malign the YSRCP, including erecting hoardings and posters across the state. They asserted that such tactics are intended to distort public perception and create unnecessary political turmoil. In response, the YSRCP has vowed not to remain passive, signaling potential legal and public relations countermeasures to address what they see as unjust attacks.
This development highlights the ongoing political tensions in Andhra Pradesh, where issues of governance, religious sensitivity, and investigative transparency are increasingly intertwined. The YSRCP's firm stance suggests that the Tirupati laddu controversy will continue to be a focal point in state politics, with implications for public trust and electoral dynamics.