Belagavi

Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has condemned allegations made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu regarding the use of animal fat in the making of Tirupati Laddus during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure. Shettar described the charges as serious and offensive to Hindu sentiments.

In comments to the media, Shettar stated that Reddy, being a converted Christian, does not adhere to Hindutva beliefs. He expressed concern over the possibility that animal fat could have been added to the sacred laddus during Reddy’s administration, implying an intentional disturbance of Hindu traditions. Shettar pointed out that Naidu’s allegations were based on a laboratory report and called for legal action against the then Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Committee and the contractor responsible for supplying the allegedly adulterated ghee.

Additionally, Shettar addressed the hoisting of Palestinian flags during Eid Milad processions, suggesting that such actions reflect a rise in communal violence since Congress came to power. He accused the Congress of engaging in appeasement politics, leading to a decline in law and order.

Shettar also questioned the timing of the investigation into denotification cases involving Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, suggesting that Congress is retaliating against the BJP following allegations of corruption involving the MUDA scam.