'Naidu pathological liar, reprimand him': Jagan Mohan writes to Modi
What's the story
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to address allegations made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu regarding the use of animal fat in Tirumala laddus. Reddy alleged that attempts are being made by Naidu to irreparably tarnish the sanctity, integrity and reputation of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Accusations
Reddy accuses Naidu of spreading lies for political gain
In his letter, Reddy described Naidu as a "pathological and habitual liar" who has stooped low to hurt the beliefs of crores of people purely for political objectives. He wrote, "It is imperative that Naidu be reprimanded in severest way for his shameless act of spreading lies and the truth be brought to light." "This would allay the suspicions that Naidu has created in...crores of Hindu devotees and restore the faith in the sanctity of the TTD."
Twitter Post
Read the full letter here
"Chandrababu Naidu a pathological and habitual liar has stooped so low as to seriously hurt the beliefs of crores of people purely for political objectives...It is imperative that Mr Naidu be reprimanded in severest way for his shameless act of spreading lies and the truth be… pic.twitter.com/LiYyUUeVXg
— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024
Allegations
Naidu's allegations and subsequent laboratory report
Naidu had alleged that animal fat was mixed in the ghee used to prepare the famous Tirumala laddu during Reddy's term as CM. Naidu's government also released a laboratory analysis report of cow ghee samples supplied to TTD for making its laddu. The report revealed the presence of foreign fats including lard (clarified pig fat), tallow (beef fat) and fish oil. However, it did not specify whether these adulterants were deliberately added or resulted from feeding conditions and other factors.
Centre's response
Centre's involvement and Reddy's defense
Reddy stated that his government had rejected products supplied to TTD 18 times due to quality concerns during their tenure. He accused Naidu of using this controversy to divert attention from his first 100 days in office, which Reddy claims have been met with public dissatisfaction. The controversy has now reached the Centre, which has sought a full report on the issue. Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured that the government would take suitable actions after a thorough investigation.