Amidst the escalating controversy over alleged adulteration in Tirupati Prasadam, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. Addressing reporters on Sunday, Naidu said the SIT, comprising senior officers of Inspector General of Police (IGP) rank and above, will submit a report to the government, based on which action will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
"We are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officers of IGP and above posts. The SIT will submit a report to the government, and we will take action based on that report so that such things are not repeated," Naidu stated, as per news agency ANI.
Naidu also launched a sharp attack on YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy who accused the Chief Minister of doing "diversion politics". Naidu in turn accused him of attempting to divert attention from the issue by making provocative statements. “What nonsense he (Jagan) is talking. Not even 100 days we have in government. You tell the policies, criticise my policy, and I'll answer what you have done, what I have done. But, you wanted to divert, but if you do so, more and more sentiments will hurt," Naidu remarked.
Speaking to ANI, he further elaborated on the steps being taken to address the issue, stating, "I am taking three angles – first, purification according to traditions. I am ordering an inquiry at the IGP level. Only those who have beliefs will be there in the management committee. Finally, we will prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all the temples."
Appointments To TTD Board Became Like "Gambling" Under YSRCP Regime: Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu
Naidu also accused the previous YSRCP government of altering key procedures for procuring ghee by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and giving undue preferences to non-Hindus on the board, news agency PTI reported. He alleged that appointments to the TTD board became like "gambling" under the YSRCP regime, with people having no faith being chosen for the board.
According to him, the earlier requirement of a supplier having three years of experience was reduced to one year, and the turnover criterion was lowered from Rs 250 crore to Rs 150 crore. "How can someone supply pure ghee at Rs 319 when even palm oil is costlier than that?" Naidu questioned, referring to the supplier, AR Dairy Foods Pvt Ltd, which began supplying ghee from June 12, 2024.
The controversy took a more serious turn when, two days after Naidu’s initial comments, TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao revealed that laboratory tests on chosen samples had indicated the presence of animal fat and lard. The TTD board is now in the process of blacklisting the contractor who supplied the adulterated ghee.
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In response, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention and accusing Naidu of deliberately hurting the sentiments of Hindu devotees for political gain. Jagan, in his eight-page letter, dubbed Naidu a "habitual liar" and accused him of spreading falsehoods regarding the sanctity of the TTD and its practices.
"Sir, the entire country looks to you at this crucial juncture. It is very imperative that Mr Naidu be reprimanded in the severest way for his shameless act of spreading lies and the truth be brought to light. Sir, this would help allay the suspicions that Mr Naidu has created in the minds of crores of Hindu devotees and restore their faith in the sanctity of TTD," Jagan wrote.
This issue has ignited political and religious debates given the cultural and religious significance of the Tirupati Prasadam, which has been known for its pure ingredients and stringent quality control for over 300 years.