“Is Tirupati laddu ghee quality compromised? YS Jagan questions TDP claims”

Andhra Pradesh: Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed recent claims about the use of adulterated ghee in Tirupati laddus, raising questions about the timing and intent behind TDP’s allegations. Jagan pointed to stringent testing protocols and took aim at Chandrababu Naidu’s handling of similar issues during his tenure as Chief Minister.

Stringent quality testing in place

Jagan emphasized that the ghee used in Tirupati laddus undergoes rigorous testing procedures. Every ghee tank must be certified by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), with three samples tested at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Only if all samples meet the standards is the ghee approved for use, otherwise, it is rejected.

Ghee rejected under both administrations

During Chandrababu Naidu’s administration from 2014 to 2019, the ghee was rejected 14 to 15 times. Similarly, YS Jagan’s administration has rejected substandard ghee 18 times. Jagan noted that these rejections underscore the strict quality controls in place, leaving no room for adulterated products in the preparation of the famous laddus.

Timing of allegations in question

YS Jagan questioned the timing of the TDP’s recent allegations. He pointed out that the sample in question was taken in July when Naidu was in power, yet the report was only released after more than two months. He suggested that the release of the report coincided with TDP’s political strategy, aiming to distract the public during a period of unrest under Naidu’s administration.

Why exclude Karnataka Nandini ghee?

Jagan also responded to public queries about the exclusion of Karnataka’s Nandini ghee, clarifying that the tendering process is open to all suppliers. He pointed out that Nandini ghee was not used during Naidu’s tenure from 2015 to 2018, questioning why the issue is being raised now.

TTD leadership under scrutiny

YS Jagan further defended TTD Chairman YV Subbareddy, stating that Subbareddy, a devout Ayyappa follower, who has worn the Ayyappa mala 45 times, brings sincerity to the role. Jagan contrasted this with the leadership during Naidu’s tenure, questioning the spiritual commitment of leaders like Chandrababu Naidu, Nara Lokesh, and Pawan Kalyan, who he noted had never worn the Ayyappa mala.