Botsa slams CM over TTD laddu row, demands probe

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Botcha Satyanarayana has strongly criticised Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s remarks during the NDA meeting, where Naidu alleged that adulterated ghee was used in the preparation of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Laddu prasadam. Botsa condemned these comments, calling them “unfortunate” and accusing the CM of politicizing religious sentiments.
Speaking to the media here on Saturday, Botsa stated, “It is deeply unfortunate for someone in the position of Chief Minister to make such remarks. Governments elected by the people should not manipulate public sentiment for political advantage.” He recalled earlier concerns about the quality of Srivari Laddu Prasadam and how Naidu’s claims of substandard ingredients had caused outrage across the media. Botsa argued that instead of making baseless accusations, the government should have launched a proper investigation. “That is why we are demanding a CBI or judicial inquiry into the allegations,” he added.
Botsa warned against using religious issues for political gain, stressing, “Those who play politics with religious sentiments will face the consequences. Conscience transcends religion or caste, and wrongdoers will not go unpunished.” He urged political parties and the media to end the controversy. The opposition leader also highlighted TTD’s strict quality control for prasadam ingredients, noting that during the YSRCP government, 18 tankers were rejected for failing to meet standards, and 14 were sent back during Naidu’s tenure. Botsa accused the government of provoking public sentiment by raising unrelated issues.
He further questioned Naidu’s motives, asking, “How reasonable is it to malign the previous government without discussing the achievements of your 100 days in office?” Botsa also criticized the lack of progress on election promises like the “Super Six” guarantees and ongoing schemes such as Amma Vodi and Rythu Bharosa. He argued that controversies like this were being used to distract from unfulfilled promises.
Addressing the government’s handling of the recent Vijayawada floods, Botsa lamented the administration’s failure, stating that people were stranded without food and water for days. He condemned the diversionary tactic of blaming boats for conspiring to destroy the Prakasam Barrage. “How is it reasonable to make such baseless accusations when it’s clear these boats were simply swept away by floods?” he questioned.
Botsa also supported former Chief Secretary IVR Krishna Rao’s statement that there was no chance adulterated ghee was used in the TTD Laddu. He urged the government to investigate and demanded that Naidu apologize to the people of the state if the allegations were proven false.