Ex-TTD Chief Rejects Laddu Adulteration Claims

Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy on Friday slammed reports that nearly 20 crore laddus prepared in the Tirumala temple between 2019 and 2024 were made with adulterated ghee, calling the claims “misleading” and politically motivated.

Subba Reddy said he is ready to fully cooperate with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the matter, but warned that selective media leaks before the completion of scientific tests were “dangerous and misleading.” He also criticised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s statements alleging the use of animal fat in laddu preparation, calling them malicious.

The former chairman pointed out inconsistencies in the allegations, noting that claims initially referred to vegetable fat but later shifted to animal fat, even as laboratory tests were ongoing. He urged that conclusions be drawn only after SIT completes its investigation, stressing that the matter involves the faith of millions of devotees.

Subba Reddy added that politically motivated misinformation was damaging Tirumala’s sanctity and targeting the YSR Congress Party.