*CBI probe nails the truth, No animal fat in Tirumala Laddu* 

Kadapa, Feb 9: YSRCP State Spokesperson Rachamallu Siva Prasad Reddy criticised that the controversy over Tirumala laddu prasadam was driven by false political propaganda and that the CBI–SIT investigation has now clearly established that no animal fat was present in the ghee used for prasadam. Speaking to the media in Kadapa, he said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made grave allegations based on rumors on September 18, 2024, claiming that animal fat and fish oil were mixed in laddu prasadam, with the intention of politically targeting Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and the YSRCP. He argued that making such claims without verified lab evidence deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindu devotees and undermined the sanctity of Lord Venkateswara’s prasadam.

He stated that premier institutions and the CBI–SIT have found no animal fat in the tested samples, yet Naidu allegedly continues to shift narratives, first speaking about animal fat, then about “bathroom acids and chemicals”, to cover up earlier claims. He questioned whether findings of the CBI, NDDB, and NDRI should be dismissed while only the Chief Minister’s words are treated as truth. He also noted that it was former TTD Chairman Y. V. Subba Reddy who approached the Supreme Court seeking a transparent probe, after which the court ordered a CBI–SIT investigation and reportedly questioned how such serious claims were made without firm evidence.

He further argued that the samples under investigation were from ghee supplied after Naidu assumed office in 2024, and that four tankers rejected by TTD for not meeting standards were later allowed back, raising accountability questions for the current administration. On pricing criticism, he pointed out that similar or lower per-kg rates for ghee had existed even during earlier TDP governments and that Bhole Baba Dairy had received eligibility approvals and supply orders during Naidu’s previous tenure. He accused Pawan Kalyan and Nara Lokesh of joining in a campaign that damaged the temple’s reputation.

Calling the episode a politically motivated attempt to malign opponents using religious sentiment, he said those who made the allegations must apologize to devotees. He urged the Chief Minister to respect court findings, stop further speculation, and bring closure to the issue, warning that continued politicization of a sacred matter only harms public faith and temple sanctity.