Tirupati, Sakshi: Bhuman Karunakara Reddy, the YSRCP’s state spokesperson and former chairman of TTD, has strongly criticized Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for his allegations regarding the ghee used in the Tirumala deity’s prasad, stating there is no truth in his claims. Naidu had previously accused the previous YSRCP government of mixing animal fats, pig fat, and fish oil in the ghee, but the CBI SIT’s charge sheet has undermined these accusations, leaving Naidu scrambling to defend himself.
The SIT, appointed by the highest court in the country, has confirmed that no such animal fats were mixed in the ghee. Despite this, the government has decided to conduct a special investigation, which Bhuman views as an attempt to cover up its own mistakes. He challenged the government to present evidence in Supreme Court if they genuinely believe in the necessity of further inquiry.
During a press conference, Bhuman highlighted the unusual nature of the cabinet’s decision to summon SIT officials, indicating that the measures taken are merely to protect Chandrababu and suppress the falsehoods he has propagated. He recalled that upon Naidu’s return to power, he claimed in a coalition meeting that animal fats had been used, prompting YV Subba Reddy to seek clarification from the Supreme Court.
Bhuman further emphasized that the SIT report does not support Naidu’s allegations; neither did the NDDB nor NDRI reports indicate any adulteration in the ghee. Nevertheless, Naidu has announced a special inquiry into the matter during a cabinet meeting, which Bhuman deems completely erroneous.
He pointed out that the Bhole Baba Dairy, which was introduced in 2018, had supplied over 87,000 tons of ghee, a fact supported by the CBI report. Bhuman accused Naidu of attempting to divert attention from the real culprits by making baseless claims against the previous administration. He called for a thorough investigation into the ghee supplied during Naidu’s tenure, insisting that any genuine concern for the sanctity of the Tirumala deity should prompt such action.
Bhuman recounted how the TTD procurement section had purchased 87,000 kilograms of ghee in August 2018, mixing cow ghee flavor to create the desired aroma. He criticized the current government for not addressing the root issues and instead focusing on vilifying the past administration. He challenged Naidu to examine the ghee supplied during his administration instead of chasing after unfounded claims.
Highlighting the political manipulation of TTD, Bhuman expressed discontent over the government’s choice to appoint officials responsible for the procurement process, suggesting that the current administration has been trying to shift blame. He accused Naidu of continuously making allegations of animal fat mixing in ghee while failing to accept the findings of the SIT report.
In response to media inquiries, Bhuman accused the government of staging a drama with the appointment of Anil Kumar Singhal, suggesting that any attempts to undermine the credibility of the CBI report are misguided. He reiterated the importance of allowing the Supreme Court to address any further inquiries, stating that the current administrative actions are merely attempts to distract from their own shortcomings.
Bhuman’s statements highlight a deepening political rift in Andhra Pradesh, as the allegations and counter-allegations continue to unfold, with both parties vying for public support ahead of future elections. As the debate surrounding the ghee scandal persists, it remains to be seen how this will impact the political landscape in the state.
