Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu announced constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) headed by an inspector general (IG) rank officer to probe the alleged irregularities in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) during YSRCP regime. Naidu took the decision over the alleged use of ghee adulterated with animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati laddus.
Naidu said that no one involved in the “irregularities”will be spared, after the govt gets the SIT report. He said former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy should have kept away from Tirumala temple if he had no faith in the religion. Naidu also alleged that Jagan’s decision to appoint “non-believers” of Hindu religion as TTD chairpersons led to the chaos at the holy shrine of Hindus.
Centre seeks report
Union health minister J P Nadda said he had spoken to Naidu and sought a report on the laddu issue. Nadda said the matter would be examined by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and suitable action taken.
“I spoke to Naidu and asked him to share the available report so that I can examine it,” the minister said. “I will also speak to the state regulators and take their views. The report will be examined, and suitable action taken within the legal framework and regulations under the FSSAI.
“The FSSAI will examine it, give a report and then we will act,” he added. Union food minister Prahlad Joshi has also called for an investigation in to the allegation, which has sparked concern among devotees.
Rajya Sabha MP YV Subba Reddy, who was chairperson of the TTD for four years, said it is "unimaginable to even say 'animal fat was used in consecrated food offered daily to the deity and in laddus given to devotees'". Reddy blasted the Chief Minister for the "heinous' claim.
Reddy also declared that it was Naidu, in fact, who had damaged the sanctity of the temple, and affected millions of devotees, by making such outrageous comments.
