In a scathing critique of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, K.K. Raju, the YSR Congress Party president for Visakhapatnam district, accused the CM of engaging in “twisted politics” under the guise of the Tirumala laddu scam. Raju asserted that Naidu and his coalition leaders, including Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, are manipulating the sentiments of devotees for personal and political gain, especially as the government has failed to deliver on election promises.
Speaking to the media at the party’s district office, Raju condemned Naidu’s tactics as a diversionary ploy intended to distract the public from the government’s shortcomings. He emphasized that Naidu has dragged the deity Lord Venkateswara into politics over the past year, which he termed as disgraceful. Raju pointed out that rather than addressing issues of accountability, Naidu is engaging in a smear campaign against the Tirumala laddu production process.
The allegations escalated as Raju demanded clarity on how certain rejected tankers were allowed to infiltrate the Tirumala temple operations during Naidu’s tenure. He highlighted previous instances where large quantities of butter were supplied during election campaigns, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of these transactions. Raju referenced the CBI’s special investigation team findings, which cast doubt on the integrity of the operations led by Naidu.
Raju accused Naidu of dishonoring the sanctity of the temple, suggesting that self-serving political motives are behind the manipulation of religious sentiments. He drew attention to Naidu’s past comments regarding the presence of animal fats in laddu preparation, which he claimed have severely tarnished the reputation of the temple and the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
In a pointed statement, Raju warned that there will be repercussions for Naidu and Kalyan’s defamatory actions against the temple, urging them to take responsibility for their alleged misdeeds. He recounted how, during Naidu’s administration, the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) approved approvals for dairies like Bolebaba Dairy while questioning the supply chains and quality of the products used in laddu making.
Raju further elaborated that the CBI’s charges against certain dairy suppliers during Naidu’s administration indicate a systemic issue that needs addressing. He challenged Naidu and Kalyan to refute these claims and to clarify their positions regarding the alleged manipulation of religious practices for political leverage.
By utilizing media to propagate false narratives, Raju accused the coalition leaders of intentionally misdirecting public opinion and minimizing the temple’s reputation. He pointed to the ongoing tactics employed by the TDP and its allies to deflect criticism and evade accountability for their failings.
Raju concluded by calling on the public to hold Naidu accountable for his actions, urging constituents to question the integrity of their leaders who have intertwined politics with sacred beliefs. He asserted that such behavior not only undermines the faith of devotees but also reflects poorly on the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh.
The political storm surrounding the Tirumala laddu scandal continues to brew as Raju’s comments resonate with many who are disillusioned by the current administration. With elections on the horizon, the implications of this controversy could significantly impact the TDP’s standing in the state.
