Linking TTD ghee row with Heritage an attempt to malign my family reputation, says Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu

Referring to the controversy surrounding the alleged supply of adulterated ghee to the TTD during the term of the previous government, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu told the Legislative Assembly on Friday that attempts were being made to drag the name of Heritage Foods into the issue to damage his family’s reputation.

Mr. Naidu said certain media outlets had published false stories targeting the ‘Heritage’ brand, which he described as a “family-run livelihood business.”

Drawing parallels with the faction rivalries that once prevailed in Rayalaseema, Mr. Naidu said that political opponents often attempt to economically weaken their rivals, and similar tactics were now being used by linking the ghee controversy to Heritage.

He described the Tirumala laddu issue as a “highly sensitive matter” and accused certain elements of deliberately attempting to hurt the sanctity of the deity and the sentiments of devotees.

“Since millions of Hindus across the world consider it a sacred tradition to visit and have darshan of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala at least once in their lifetime, any wrongdoing affecting temple purity must be exposed,” the Chief Minister asserted. He said the coalition government had taken the responsibility of safeguarding the sanctity of the TTD and all the temples across the State.