:
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Thursday protested against what it termed baseless allegations and false propaganda by the ruling coalition, saying the appointment of a committee to probe the Tirumala laddu matter was nothing but a tactic to divert public attention from the allegations by the CBI, which it claimed had categorically stated that no animal fat was found in the ghelad.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, YSRCP MPs YV Subba Reddy, Mithun Reddy, M Gurumoorthy, Golla Babu Rao and others said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had clearly concluded that there was no animal fat in the ghee and did not name a single YSRCP leader in its findings. Unable to accept this, they claimed, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu resorted to spreading misinformation and constituted a committee only to promote the TDP’s version of events.
YSRCP leaders criticized the Chief Minister for dragging Lord Venkateswar into what they called a politically motivated controversy. Rejecting allegations that the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) report was suppressed during the previous government’s tenure, they clarified that it was YV Subba Reddy himself who had written to the CFTRI asking for an investigation. However, they claimed that the findings were never formally communicated to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials.
Mr. Subba Reddy said he approached the Supreme Court seeking a CBI probe, after which the central agency conducted a thorough investigation and filed a chargesheet clearly stating that no animal fat was used in the preparation of the laddu. He accused Mr. Chandrababu Naidu of making false and irresponsible claims which hurt the sentiments of devotees. “I am ready to face any test. If this malicious campaign continues, I will explore legal options,” he warned.
The MPs alleged that despite the CBI and SIT findings, coalition leaders continued a targeted smear campaign against the YSRCP, including erecting hoardings and posters across the state to defame party leaders. “We will not remain silent and will explore all available avenues to counter this conspiracy,” they said.
Responding to allegations regarding awarding contracts to supply ghee to smaller firms, senior officials said the decision was taken to support start-ups and prevent cartelization by a few big companies without compromising on quality standards.
They alleged that the ongoing attacks on YSRCP leaders and their properties were part of a larger conspiracy to divert attention from SIT observations, exploit religious sentiments and use Lord Venkateswara politically for electoral gains.
Published – 05 Feb 2026 20:58 IST
