At a time, the AP government is moving ahead on the controversy alleged use of animal fat infected ghee for TTD’s Laddu Prasadam by constituting a SIT for an indepth probe, the controversial BJP leader and former union minister Dr Subramanian Swamy entered the scene to rescue former chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy from this scandal.
Though Dr Swamy claimed himself as a crusader against corrupt politicians, his association with disgraced personalities is wellknown. He filed a Special Leave Petition (PIL) in the Supreme Court seeking court-monitored probe into the Laddu row.
Interestingly, the former TTD Trust Board Chairman and YCP MP BV Subba Reddy also filed PIL in the Apex Court on the same lines and also on the same day, Monday. Earlier also he filed similar petition in the AP High Court. But, even before the High Court examining his petition he went to Supreme Court in a hurry, soon after AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced formation of a SIT to probe into it.
Subba Reddy filed a petition in the Supreme Court demanding an investigation into the adulteration in Tirupati ghee and prasadam laddus. In his petition, he has demanded to form an independent investigation committee under a retired judge of the Supreme Court.
It may be recalled that Chandrababu Naidu has accused the previous YSRCP government of altering procurement procedures for ghee, leading to irregularities. He criticized the YSRCP for appointing board members without proper faith and even selecting non-Hindus.
Surprisingly, Dr Subramanian Swamy also also sought Supreme Court- monitored probe into it.The main purpose of both Subba Reddy and Dr Swamy seems to be only to avoid a probe by the AP Police. Though BJP is part of Chandrababu Naidu-led government in the state, Dr Swamy in his petition alleged that the Chief Minister is politicizing the issue.
Moreover, his comments on this occasion that Chandrababu Naidu government will collapse soon clearly indicates his intention was to save Jaganmohan Reddy from this row, more than his concerns over the santity of the sacred Tirumala diety.
It may be recalled that Dr Swamy has close association with Jaganmohan Reddy. Earlier, he filed a petition against Chandrababu Naidu government in Tirupati Court on TTD issue only. At least twice, Dr Swamy met Jaganmohan Reddy at Tadepalli palace, for which a special flight was arranged for him. Subba Reddy had arranged this meeting.
As BJP refused to extend his Rajya Sabha nomination, there were speculations earlier that Dr Swamy tried to get Rajya Sabha seat from the AP with Jagan’s support. Jaganmohan Reddy is said to be in a hurry to avoid further investigation into Laddu row and desperately attempting to shift the probe to the central agencies. He seems to be confident that the Narendra Modi-led government will not act detrimental to his interests, though TDP is a crucial partner of NDA.