EXCLUSIVE: Andhra Pradesh Dy CM Pawan Kalyan: Not Blaming Jagan. He Is Not Responsible For Adulteration

The controversy surrounding the alleged use of beef tallow, pig lard, and fish oil in the preparation of the auspicious Tirupati Laddus has caused an uproar among devotees of Lord Venkateshwara worldwide.

This issue escalated into a political storm after a public statement from the current Chief Minister, intensifying the clash between the ruling BJP-JSP-TDP alliance and the YSRCP, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy. While the BJP and TDP have consistently targeted the YSRCP and former CM Jagan for not addressing devotees' concerns over the past five years, Deputy CM and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan made clarifying statements in an exclusive interview with OneIndia, that he doesn't blame Jagan for this.

When asked how the ruling alliance can blame Jagan Mohan Reddy when IT Minister Nara Lokesh himself stated that TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) is an independent body, Pawan Kalyan responded saying, "When did we ever accuse Jagan? We are criticising the TTD board. Personally, and on the record, I did not comment on Jagan. My comments are directed at the board constituted under his leadership. My question is simple: I agree that the board was formed by you, but you are not directly responsible for its actions. That's fine. Let the investigation proceed and reveal the findings. But why are you scared? Why defend these people? That's my question."

These remarks follow shortly after IT Minister Nara Lokesh, CM Chandrababu Naidu's son, was questioned about the delay in releasing the investigation reports. Lokesh remarked that "TTD is an independent body, and the CM can only appoint the Executive Officer."