Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has sharply criticized Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of manipulating the sentiments of devotees amid allegations concerning the adulteration of ghee used in the revered Tirumala Laddu Prasad. In a media briefing on Friday, Jagan questioned why the alleged adulteration had only come to light 100 days after the Telugu Desam Party came to power.
He posited that Naidu is orchestrating controversy to divert attention from the shortcomings of his administration. “The adulteration of ghee occurred during Chandrababu’s tenure as Chief Minister,” he stated, casting doubt on the motives behind the timing of the allegations.
Jagan further claimed that these accusations are part of a diversionary tactic employed by Naidu, who he alleges is making false claims against the YSRCP. “What is the point of spreading such lies in such an important matter? Is it correct to play with the sentiments of devotees?” he questioned, highlighting the moral implications of the ongoing controversy.
The former Chief Minister defended the sourcing of ghee for the prasadam, asserting that it is obtained from TTD and certified by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. He underscored that the same production process for making laddoos has been in place for decades, suggesting that the allegations lack a basis in fact.