Sakshi, Amaravati: In a shocking move unprecedented in the history of independent India, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has defied the Supreme Court’s orders, allegedly engaging in political conspiracy. Ignoring the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Naidu has initiated his own inquiry into the controversy surrounding the Tirumala laddu prasad, claiming that there is no animal fat involved, despite reports from prominent scientific labs such as NDRI and NDDB stating otherwise.
In a recent cabinet meeting, the issue was extensively discussed, and a formal announcement is expected soon. The move to disregard the CBI’s independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) report, established under the Supreme Court’s supervision, has raised eyebrows. Naidu’s decision to appoint a commission for an internal inquiry appears to be a calculated attempt to manipulate the findings in his favor. This act of defiance against the highest court in the country has drawn widespread criticism.
Naidu’s actions are perceived as a desperate attempt to counter the negative publicity generated by the allegations that animal fat was present in the laddu prasad, a claim that has caused distress among millions of devotees worldwide. To solidify this narrative, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a commission, staffed with loyal officials, to conduct a special inquiry that seems geared toward targeting YSR Congress leaders with fabricated charges.
The atmosphere within the cabinet has become increasingly tense, as Naidu and his ministers publicly declared their intention to disregard the Supreme Court’s directives. This stark defiance is seen as an indication that the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is operating outside constitutional bounds, essentially functioning as a parallel judicial system. This unprecedented move has raised alarms about the erosion of democratic principles in the state.
The CBI’s charge sheet clearly stated that there was no animal fat found in the laddu prasad used in the temple, a fact that has now been confirmed by multiple prestigious laboratories. This revelation has left Naidu scrambling to contain the fallout from the scandal, leading him to publicly challenge the authority of the Supreme Court by asserting his own version of justice.
Prominent figures, including former TTD chairman and YSR Congress parliamentary leader Y.V. Subba Reddy, have sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to halt the smear campaign against the laddu prasad, urging the court to ensure that the truth is made known to the public. The Supreme Court, in turn, has admonished the TDP government to keep even divine matters free from political interference.
In the fallout, the Supreme Court has annulled the SIT formed by Naidu’s government and mandated the establishment of an independent SIT under the CBI’s jurisdiction to investigate the case. This decision underscores the court’s commitment to maintaining judicial integrity and ensuring that the investigation is conducted independently and without political bias.
The political stakes have escalated, with Naidu’s government now facing accusations of attempting to undermine the judiciary for its own political gains. Critics argue that the establishment of a politically motivated commission is an affront to justice and a blatant attempt to manipulate the legal process for personal and political advantage. As the investigation continues, the implications of this political drama will have lasting effects on both the TDP and the trust of the public in its governance.
