The ongoing Tirumala Laddu adulteration issue continues to stir political controversy in Andhra Pradesh, with YSRCP leaders and Sakshi media attempting to blame the Chandrababu Naidu (CBN) government for raising baseless allegations about the laddu adulteration. However, Sakshi’s reporting has backfired, leading to a legal challenge from TTD.
Recently, Sakshi published a controversial article during the Brahmotsavam festival, implying that CBN, after offering clothes to Lord Venkateswara as part of the government’s procedure, conducted a review meeting with TTD officials where he allegedly said, “I will take care of everything.”
The article insinuated that CBN might have influenced the Supreme Court-appointed SIT investigating the laddu adulteration case, creating an impression that CBN was trying to manipulate the investigation. In response, TTD Deputy Executive Officer (Dy EO) Lokanatham filed an FIR against Sakshi for publishing what he described as a false and misleading article.
He clarified in the complaint that he was present during the review meeting and asserted that CBN had no authority or intention to influence the officials regarding the SIT’s investigation. The FIR was lodged under Sections 353(2), 356, and 196(1)(A) of the IPC, which pertain to public servant interference and false reporting.
This development puts Sakshi media under scrutiny once again for its role in politicizing sensitive issues. The TTD’s legal action against the media outlet not only challenges the credibility of Sakshi’s reporting but also further intensifies the political battle between TDP and YSRCP.
With TTD and its officials making it clear that there was no interference by CBN in the SIT proceedings, the case is now under legal review, and the narrative around the laddu adulteration scandal has become even more politically charged.
