New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy has taken a significant step by moving the Supreme Court on Monday, seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of the sacred Tirupati laddus. Swamy has urged the court to direct the Andhra Pradesh government to provide a comprehensive report detailing the source and samples of the ghee used in making these laddus.
Swamy’s petition also calls for interim directions to obtain a detailed forensic report from the relevant authorities. He emphasized the need for stringent internal checks to monitor and verify the quality of materials supplied for making the prasad.
In a post on the social media platform X, Swamy shared his actions, stating, “Today I have filed a PIL seeking directions from the Supreme Court to investigate the baseless allegations of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Naidu has alleged that the prasad of Tirupati Tirumala temple has been adulterated with animal meat and other rotten substances, causing panic among the devotees.”
Adding to the legal battle, former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) chairman and Rajya Sabha member Y.V. Subba Reddy has also filed a petition requesting an inquiry by an independent committee headed by a retired judge of the apex court. The controversy erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat was used in making laddus during the previous government led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, sparking a massive political storm.
The YSR Congress Party has vehemently denied these allegations, accusing Naidu of making “disgusting allegations” for political gain. TTD Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao, during a press conference on September 20, confirmed that laboratory tests had revealed the presence of animal fat and grease in selected samples. The board is now in the process of blacklisting the contractor responsible for supplying the adulterated ghee.
