Former Rajya Sabha member TG Venkatesh said that it has become clear that Tirumala Laddu has been adulterated and SIT probe will only decide the quantum of the adulteration. He said whether animal fat was mixed or not, anything mixed with ghee without being pure amounts to adulteration and the punishment for adulteration will be the same. No one can change the evidence already established, he said.
He recalled that whether it is a knife or a gun when killing is the same, there is no punishment depending on what is used to kill. A murder is a murder. He said that animal fat has become common in the North and adulteration takes place on a large scale from there.
He recalled that even if you want to export a soap one has to give an undertaking that animal fat was not mixed. So, one has to be careful in preparation of Tirupati Laddu. He made it clear that for all irregularities at Tirumala, more responsibility will be on the head of the government in the state.
Venkatesh wondered over the faith being expressed by the YCP for a CBI probe and doubting a probe by the SIT. He asked if they have faith in CBI, why they did not cooperate with CBI in their cases in the past? He deplored that Jagan is still playing with the sentiments of Hindus. Though there were allegations of irregularities in Tirumala since the beginning of his government, he alleged that Jagan has not taken any action against them.
He said that Bhumana Karunakar Reddy is an atheist. YV Subbareddy’s wife is a pagan. He asked Jagan why they were appointed as TTD chairman? TG Venkatesh said that the Hindu community is angry over the adulteration of Tirumala Laddu. The former minister questioned why Jagan is not signing the declaration at Tirumala and what would happen if he signed?