Former TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy plans to approach the Supreme Court seeking a gag order to counter misinformation in the Tirupati laddu ‘adulterated ghee’ controversy, calling the allegations politically motivated and demanding transparency through the ongoing SIT investigation.
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AMARAVATI: Amidst rising controversy over alleged adulteration of ghee used in the sacred Tirupati laddu prasadam, Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman and YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP YV Subba Reddy has announced his intention to approach the Supreme Court (SC) seeking a gag order. The move aims to curb what he describes as a politically motivated misinformation campaign damaging the temple’s reputation and hurting devotees’ sentiments.
The allegations claim that nearly 20 crore laddus prepared between 2019 and 2024 were made using adulterated ghee, charges that Subba Reddy firmly rejects as baseless, misleading, and part of a targeted political attack.
Political Allegations and Response
Subba Reddy expressed deep concern over political interference in religious matters, stating that the Tirumala temple is being dragged into a fabricated controversy for electoral gain. He accused the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of spreading false narratives and launching personal attacks due to his association with YSRCP leadership.
He clarified that the ghee tankers suspected of being adulterated were rejected and never used in laddu production. According to updates from the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), the suspicious consignments were traced to the previous Chandrababu Naidu-led government. They were returned without entering the production cycle.
Subba Reddy also highlighted misinformation regarding ghee pricing and procurement, stressing that price variations occurred under both governments and should not be misinterpreted as evidence of corruption.
Assurances and Call for Transparency
To demonstrate confidence in his integrity, Subba Reddy expressed willingness to undergo a lie detector test and even a spiritual truth verification ritual—Satya Sodhana Pariksha. He urged the SIT to extend its inquiry to the past 10–15 years to ensure a fair and comprehensive review.
He condemned media outlets for spreading partial and speculative reports while urging authorities to release official, certified lab results to restore clarity among millions of devotees worldwide.
“The SIT is the rightful authority to disclose investigation findings—not rumor-based media leaks,”
he stated.
Highlighting his leadership record, Subba Reddy pointed to various reforms implemented during his tenure:
- Major cost savings in temple infrastructure projects
- Regulation of VIP privileges and improved crowd management
- Reduction of plastic usage in temple premises
- Strengthened support to goshalas (cow shelters)
He further alleged that the earlier TDP government had illegally placed ₹1,200 crore in temple funds with a private bank, which later collapsed, risking devotees’ offerings. The funds were later safeguarded by being moved to nationalized banks.
He also criticized the current administration for mishandling the distribution of tokens for Vaikuntha Ekadashi, which led to a tragic stampede.
Subba Reddy appealed to the government, media, and public to act responsibly until the SIT concludes its investigation. He stressed that unchecked rumors are harming the dignity of the world-renowned temple.
“Tirumala belongs to devotees—not to political games. I will protect its sanctity at any cost,”
he affirmed.
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