Tirupati Laddu Case: CM Welcomes SC Decision, Jagan Reddy Says Chandrababu Naidu ‘Spreading Fake News’

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the decision, while YSRCP leader Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised Naidu, accusing him of spreading false allegations even after the verdict.

The Supreme Court bench, however, made it clear that the court will not allow itself to become a "political battleground."

Source : PTI

After the Supreme Court on Friday ordered the formation of a five-member "independent" Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of the use of animal fat in the making of Tirupati laddus, the development has stirred political tensions in Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the decision, while YSRCP leader Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised Naidu, accusing him of spreading false allegations even after the verdict.

The court's directive came in response to petitions seeking probe into the allegations over the use of adulterated ghee for the making of sacred prasadam, with a bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan making it clear that the court will not allow itself to become a "political battleground." The independent SIT will consist of two officials each from the CBI and Andhra Pradesh Police, along with a senior official from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Chandrababu Naidu's Response

Taking to social media platform 'X', Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the Supreme Court's decision. "I welcome the Honourable Supreme Court’s order of setting up SIT, comprising officers from CBI, AP Police, and FSSAI to investigate the issue of adulteration of Tirupati laddu," Naidu wrote. He had earlier raised concerns over the alleged use of animal fat in the laddus, a claim that has now sparked this high-level probe.

I welcome the Honourable Supreme Court’s order of setting up SIT, comprising officers from CBI, AP Police and FSSAI to investigate the issue of adulteration of Tirupati laddu.

Satyamev Jayate.

Om Namo Venkatesaya.

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) October 4, 2024

Jagan Mohan Reddy's Counter

However, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Naidu of tarnishing the reputation of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and spreading lies about the sacred laddus. "The sanctity of TTD and prasadam has been damaged by Chandrababu Naidu's false comments," Reddy said, alleging that the Supreme Court had criticised Naidu for playing politics with religious matters.

 Reddy said: "He is spreading blatant lies. I don't understand why he is posting on social media that the Supreme Court expressed anger toward YSRCP. The tankers were sent back 14 times during their regime (2014 to 2019). A robust system has been implemented in TTD for manufacturing prasadam. Tankers are not allowed to enter for utilization without passing quality checks. Three tests are to be conducted before the product is used. If a tanker fails to qualify in even a single test, it will be sent back without being used."

Tirupati Laddu Prasadam Row: Former Andhra Pradesh CM and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy says, "Even after the court order, he (CM Naidu) should feel ashamed for spreading false news... He is spreading blatant lies. I don't understand why he is posting on social media that the… https://t.co/XfFNLYUH9A pic.twitter.com/wqzRQx5XQ2

— ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2024