On Wednesday, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, claimed that the previous government led by Jagan Mohan Reddy allowed impure ghee to be used and messed with the religious purity of India’s richest temple. According to reports, the ghee contained animal fat in it. Chandrababu Naidu referred to a lab report from Gujarat that mentioned that the ghee contained fish oil, beef tallow, and lard.
TTD, Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao, stated that laboratory tests confirmed the presence of animal fat in the ghee. Currently, the board is in the process of blacklisting the contractor behind this. This issue has led to a massive political debate. In response to Chandrababu Naidu’s claims, the YSRCP fired back, saying he’s using this issue to shift focus from his government’s failure over flood relief. Moreover, the party has also asked the Andhra Pradesh High Court to look into Chandrababu Naidu’s statements.
Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy penned letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, to take action against Chandrababu Naidu for allegedly twisting facts. Union Health Minister JP Nadda requested a report from the Andhra Pradesh government and promised to take action. In the meantime, Chief Minister Naidu announced that his government would consult religious leaders and Hinduism scholars on how to conduct samprokshana which is ritualistic purification.