Published Feb 05, 2026 | 6:05 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 05, 2026 | 6:05 PM
Addressing the media along with NDA partners, Chandrababu Naidu downplayed his earlier contention that the ghee contained animal fat.
Synopsis: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said action would be taken against all those involved in accordance with the CBI’s recommendations. A one-man inquiry committee has been appointed to examine the issue of adulteration and how it was done, and who is responsible, and its findings would be placed before both the court and the public.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday, 5 February, said the alleged adulteration of the Tirumala laddu was a deliberate act of sacrilege intended to undermine the sanctity of Lord Sri Venkateswara, and not merely a case of financial malpractice in ghee procurement.
He also announced the appointment of a one-member probe committee to investigate the alleged adulteration, and the people involved.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with NDA allies Jana Sena and the BJP at his Undavalli residence near Vijayawada, Naidu said the issue went far beyond profit motives. He asserted that the mixing of vegetable oils and chemical substances such as palm oil, lactic acid and acetic acid in the sacred prasadam constituted a grave and unforgivable sin.
“Whoever committed these irregularities will not be spared. Playing with God is unacceptable. We believe in Madhava seva (service to God). To adulterate the Lord’s sacred offering cannot be justified under any circumstances,” the chief minister said.
Naidu said the act appeared to be a deliberate conspiracy to desecrate the sanctity of Lord Venkateswara and erode public faith.
“When chemicals like palm oil, lactic acid and acetic acid are found in the prasadam, is that not a grave sin? Who are these people to undermine the faith of lakhs of devotees?” he asked, adding that those responsible would be held accountable.
Rejecting claims that the CBI had given a clean chit in the case to the YSRCP, Naidu questioned the basis of such assertions.
“Where in the report does it say that there was no adulteration of ghee? Is this a figment of imagination? Did God appear and certify it?” he asked, asserting that the CBI findings clearly indicated adulteration.
The chief minister, however, played down his past contention that animal fat was used in making the ghee that was used for making laddu. “That is an extreme length they went,” he said in reply to a question, but chose not to elaborate on it any further.
He said action would be taken against all those involved in accordance with the CBI’s recommendations. A one-man inquiry committee has been appointed to examine the issue of adulteration and how it was done, and who is responsible, and its findings would be placed before both the court and the public. He added that even after a chargesheet is filed, any new evidence that emerges could be submitted to the court.
“Protecting the sanctity of Tirumala is itself Madhava seva. On behalf of the people, the government will safeguard the sacredness of Tirumala,” Naidu said, adding that consultations would be held with other religious pontiffs before taking further steps.
He reiterated that the government respected all religions and would ensure communal harmony. Naidu said he had already held talks with several heads of the Hindu religion and also with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Referring to past incidents, the chief minister alleged that during previous regimes, as many as 219 temples were attacked or desecrated. He also questioned attempts to “settle” serious cases, including the alleged theft related to the Srivari parakamani (temple hundi). “What should one call those who try to justify a wrongdoing and seek to settle it?” he asked.
Naidu also spoke emotionally about personal attacks, saying abusive remarks made against his family in the Assembly had deeply hurt him. “Because of the objectionable language used against my family, I shed tears for the first time in my life. Should we tolerate people hurling abuses at will?” he asked.
Calling adulteration of the Tirumala laddu was an unforgivable and heinous offence, Naidu said all reports related to the issue would be placed before the public. “There was a deliberate conspiracy to desecrate the Lord. This cannot be condoned under any circumstances. I am sure they will pay for this,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said those responsible for the adulteration would not be spared and accused the YSRCP leadership of attempting to deflect the issue instead of expressing remorse.
“They are attacking the government rather than apologising,” he said, adding that none of the reports stated that pure ghee had been used in the preparation of the laddus. “No report has given them a clean chit,” he asserted.
Referring to technical findings, Kalyan said there was a possibility of animal fat, including fish oil and lard, being present, describing it as an extremely sensitive issue. “The chief minister read out the NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) report to us. When such evidence exists, remaining silent would make us answerable tomorrow,” he said.
Questioning the political narrative, he said the government had no reason to fabricate the issue.
“We have a five-year mandate. Why would we speak lies within two years of coming to power? When there is evidence, it must be spoken,” he said, accusing the YSRCP leadership of acting with malice and calling on them to apologise.
BJP’s Andhra Pradesh President PVN Madhav alleged that YSRCP leaders were attempting to give themselves a clean chit. Questioning the procurement process, he asked how a dairy that did not procure milk could supply ghee and whether ghee could realistically be supplied at ₹320 per kg.
“What was used merely resembled ghee. By doing this, they undermined the sanctity of the Tirumala laddus,” he alleged.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
