Tadepalli, Nov 11: Former Minister Vellampalli Srinivas strongly condemned the coalition government for making baseless allegations about adulteration in the sacred Tirumala laddu. Addressing the media at the YSR Congress Party central office in Tadepalli, he said the government has stooped to the level of dragging God into politics simply to target YSRCP leaders. He condemned Chandrababu, Lokesh, and Pawan Kalyan for making contradictory statements on ghee quality and misleading crores of devotees for political gains. He questioned why the SIT itself has not released any official findings if there is genuine evidence, and asserted that the coalition regime is only resorting to diversion politics after failing to protect devotees in temples during its 17-month tenure.
Vellampalli criticised the coalition’s “fake affection” towards Hindus, stating that several incidents of sacrilege and security lapses occurred at Tirumala, Simhachalam, and Kasibugga temples under this government, including unheard-of acts like shoes and meat entering the Tirumala temple premises. He alleged that whenever such failures occur, the government immediately diverts public attention by raising false allegations on laddus.
He reminded that Chandrababu first spoke about alleged adulteration only three months after the supposed incident, despite the then TTD EO confirming everything was proper. He noted the Supreme Court had already questioned Chandrababu for making unverified claims that damage the temple’s sanctity. He demanded that if the government truly believes adulteration happened, it should provide evidence instead of planting leaks in friendly media.
Vellampalli pointed out that ghee prices during the previous Chandrababu government were similar, yet no controversy was raised then. He stated that former TTD PA Appanna was arrested only to target Y.V. Subba Reddy, despite having also worked with TDP leaders. Calling out selective targeting and political vendetta, he urged the government to stop maligning the sacred Tirumala laddu and devotees’ faith. If adulteration really occurred, he said, the ruling party should prove it with evidence rather than running malicious propaganda.
*Strengthen YSRCP from grassroots, prepare for elections: Sajjala*
