Subba Reddy refutes reports alleging use of adulterated ghee in 20 crore Tirupati laddus

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) former chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy has described reports that nearly 20 crore laddus were prepared in the Tirumala temple using adulterated ghee between 2019 and 2024 as misleading and insisted that it was a propaganda-based leak to the media. 

Condemning the reports, he expressed his resolve to fully cooperate with the SIT which was investigating the case, and maintained that selective leaks to the media before the completion of the scientific analysis were dangerous and misleading.

In a press release, Mr. Subba Reddy said the remarks by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that animal fat was used in the preparation of laddus were malicious. Even before the SIT finished its probe, a narrative was built that the ghee had been adulterated. 

He said the investigation should be allowed to conclude and SIT has to then decide the matter on a scientific basis. In the meanwhile, the media must go by facts rather than rumours.

Mr. Subba Reddy pointed out that the allegations were inconsistent from the beginning, when it was claimed that vegetable fat was mixed with ghee, and the allegation later changed to animal fat even as the laboratory tests were supposedly under way. 

He sought to know whether the SIT officially confirmed the presence of animal fat, and said statements should not be made without the laboratory submitting its results as it was a matter of faith of crores of devotees. 

Further, Mr. Subba Reddy said spreading politically motivated misinformation was damaging Tirumala’s sanctity and was being used only to target the YSR Congress Party.