AMARAVATI Jan 29 – The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the ruling TDP-JSP alliance, demanding an unconditional public apology from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan. The demand comes a day after a final chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed that no animal fat was used in the preparation of the sacred Tirumala Laddus.

The chargesheet, submitted to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Court in Nellore on January 23, concludes a 15-month investigation by a Supreme Court-mandated Special Investigation Team (SIT).

“Truth Prevails”: YSRCP Slams “False Narratives”

Reacting to the CBI findings, YSRCP leaders stated that the “animal fat” claims were part of a “heinous conspiracy” designed to hurt religious sentiments for political gain.

“The truth is finally out. The ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) have conclusively proven that no animal fat—lard or beef tallow—was present in the ghee,” said YSRCP spokesperson Karumuri Venkata Reddy. “Chandrababu Naidu must now publicly apologize for spreading false propaganda that distressed millions of devotees.”

CBI Findings: Synthetic Ghee Scam Exposed

While the CBI ruled out the presence of animal fat, the investigation uncovered a massive ₹250 crore procurement fraud. The chargesheet details a “synthetic ghee” racket that operated between 2021 and 2024.

• Adulteration Details: The agency confirmed that the ghee was adulterated with a “chemical cocktail” of vegetable oils (including palmolein) and laboratory esters designed to mimic the appearance and smell of pure cow ghee.

• Key Accused: The SIT has named 36 individuals, including promoters of Uttarakhand-based Bhole Baba Dairy, external dairy experts, and several former TTD procurement officials.

• Volume: Approximately 68 lakh kilograms of sub-standard synthetic mixture were supplied to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) at inflated prices.

Political Fallout

The controversy originally erupted in September 2024 when CM Naidu alleged that laboratory reports showed traces of foreign fats in the temple’s ghee. While the YSRCP celebrates the “no animal fat” finding as a vindication, the ruling TDP maintains that the confirmation of “synthetic adulteration” still proves criminal negligence and corruption during the previous regime.

The Nellore ACB Court is expected to take cognizance of the chargesheet and initiate trial proceedings in the coming weeks.

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