Supreme Court Grills Chandrababu Naidu in Tirumala Ghee Scandal!

The Supreme Court of India has called for clarification regarding the statements made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in the ongoing ghee adulteration case. The court questioned the validity of CM Naidu's claims from September 18, which suggested that the ghee used at the Tirumala temple contained harmful residues. TTD officials have refuted these claims, asserting that no adulterated ghee was utilized in their offerings. This legal scrutiny comes amid rising concerns over the quality of ingredients used for the sacred 'laddu prasadam' offered to devotees.

During the proceedings, the government's lawyer highlighted that a contractor previously supplied four tankers of ghee to TTD, raising suspicions about potential adulteration. The TTD had lodged a complaint against AR Dairy Foods for allegedly supplying adulterated ghee, which was reportedly mixed with animal fats. Following complaints from pilgrims regarding the quality of the prasadam, TTD initiated tests that confirmed the presence of adulterants in the ghee samples.

In a recent police complaint, TTD General Manager P. Muralikrishna detailed how they had ordered one million kilograms of ghee from AR Dairy Foods. After receiving multiple complaints about the laddu's quality, TTD conducted an adulteration test at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), which revealed concerning results. The investigation has since prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve deeper into these allegations and ensure accountability.

The controversy has sparked political tensions, with CM Naidu accusing previous administrations of compromising on ingredient quality while YSR Congress Party leaders have dismissed these claims as politically motivated. As the SIT intensifies its investigation into this sensitive issue, both religious and political sentiments remain high among devotees and citizens alike, highlighting the intricate relationship between faith and governance in Andhra Pradesh.