A.P. CM, Deputy CM discuss Tirupati laddu row among host of issues

A.P. CM Naidu and Deputy CM Kalyan address the Tirupati laddu controversy and state budget issues ahead of the upcoming session.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday had a detailed discussion on the latest developments in the State, especially the fallout of the SIT report on the adulteration of the ghee used to prepare Tirupati laddus, and issues related to the budget for FY 2026-27. 

They took stock of the situation arising from the barrage of criticisms by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders that Mr. Naidu's statement in late 2024 that the ghee contained animal fat was baseless and politically motivated, and from the clashes over the comments made by former Ministers Ambati Rambabu and Jogi Ramesh. 

The meeting went on for about two and a half hours, during which Mr. Naidu and Mr. Pawan reportedly deliberated on how to counter the YSRCP’s campaign on the Tirupati laddu row and other issues in the run-up to the budget session of the Legislature, commencing on February 11. 

It may be noted that the TDP has decided to take the SIT probe into the laddu case to a definite conclusion, while the JSP passed a resolution in its general body meeting on February 2 to have a debate on it in the Legislature.

Leaders of the ruling parties have earlier challenged YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his party MLAs to attend the Assembly session and present their arguments, if they and their associates had no role in the incident. 

Mr. Naidu and Mr. Pawan Kalyan viewed the YSRCP’s actions as a conspiracy to create a law and order problem, with an intention of destabilise the government.