'Deliberate Attempt To Hurt Faith Of Devotees': Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu On Tirupati Laddu Row

Last Updated:February 05, 2026, 16:13 IST

He said the government would take strict action against the culprits, make all reports public, and protect the sanctity of Tirumala and the faith of devotees.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said the Tirupati laddu ghee adulteration was not driven by monetary motives but was a “deliberate attempt to hurt the faith of devotees,".

Calling the incident an assault on public sentiment, Naidu said Lord Venkateswara is his family deity and described the act as an unforgivable sin. He alleged that despite clear warnings from the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in 2022 about adulteration, the previous government ignored the findings and allowed the malpractice to continue.

Naidu said that after assuming office, his government sent laddu samples to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report revealed that the ghee was manufactured using palm oil and chemicals, without milk.

Alleging that the act was a planned conspiracy to desecrate the sanctity of Lord Venkateswara, Naidu questioned the intent of those involved. He asserted that the government would take strict action against all culprits, place all reports in the public domain, and ensure the sanctity of Tirumala and the faith of devotees are protected.

Naidu asserted that the NDDB and SIT reports clearly indicate serious irregularities in the preparation of ghee used for Tirumala Laddu prasadam. He termed it a “great evil" and a “grave sin," stressing that no one in history had ever interfered with the sanctity of Lord Venkateswara’s temple—not even during British rule, when records and traditions were instead strengthened.

Responding strongly to demands for an apology, Chandrababu said such arguments reflect arrogance, constitutional disrespect, and political hooliganism.

The Chief Minister made it clear that nowhere in the CBI report is it stated that there was no adulteration, and reiterated that the issue concerns faith, sanctity, and accountability, not politics.

Speaking at the NDA leaders’ joint press conference at his Undavalli residence, CM Naidu said the state government has received the chargesheet, though the chargesheet number is yet to be communicated. He added that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also submitted a report, directing the government to initiate administrative action against the concerned individuals.

The Chief Minister stated that, based on the CBI’s communication, the government has constituted a one-man committee to conduct a comprehensive examination of the report, identify lapses, and fix responsibility. He said that once the committee completes its review, the government will initiate appropriate action in accordance with the findings.

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