CM Says He’s Targeted To Divert Attention From Ghee Adulteration

Responding to the controversy while addressing a press conference in Kuppam on Sunday, he said the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) report clearly indicated adulteration and action was being taken to protect the sanctity of Tirumala.

He said the government had acted responsibly and initiated steps to ensure that the purity of offerings associated with Tirumala temple was not compromised.

The Chief Minister said that despite the government constituting an SIT to probe the matter, efforts were being made to level allegations against him instead of focusing on the findings of the report.

He alleged that those responsible for the wrongdoing were attempting to escape accountability by shifting the blame onto him.

Naidu said protecting the sanctity of Tirumala and the faith of devotees was the government’s foremost responsibility. The issue, he said, was being handled with seriousness and sensitivity, keeping in mind the sentiments of crores of devotees.

Referring to his visits to Tirumala, the Chief Minister said that although he had the option to enter through the Mahadwaram, he continued to visit the temple through the Vaikuntam queue complex as a common devotee. He said he believed in following the same rules and traditions as any ordinary devotee.

He alleged that attempts were being made to politicise the issue by dragging the name of Lord Venkateswara into controversy. Such actions, he said, amounted to committing a grave wrong and then trying to cover it up by attacking others.

The Chief Minister cautioned against using religious sentiments for political gains and said that those who resorted to such practices would be made answerable. He reiterated that the government would continue to take all necessary steps to uphold the sanctity of Tirumala and ensure that such incidents were not repeated.