Andhra CM Naidu Criticizes Previous YSRCP Government Over TTD Ghee Procurement

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of altering procurement procedures for ghee by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Allegations include unfaithful board appointments and reduced supplier experience requirements. Lab tests revealed adulteration in ghee, leading to plans for blacklisting the contractor.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Sunday, lashed out at the previous YSRCP administration, alleging that several procedures for procuring ghee by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) were altered during their term.

Naidu also took aim at the appointment practices to the TTD board under the YSRCP, likening them to 'gambling' and accusing the previous regime of favoring non-Hindus and those without faith. He stated that these decisions had deeply hurt the public's sentiments, especially concerning the sacred laddu.

According to Naidu, the TTD board had reduced the required experience for ghee suppliers from three years to one and lowered the minimum turnover requirement for suppliers from Rs 250 crore to Rs 150 crore following the change of government. He questioned how pure ghee could be supplied at Rs 319 per unit under these conditions.

Naidu mentioned that AR Dairy Foods Pvt Ltd began supplying ghee from June 12, 2024. He also responded to a letter written by YSRCP Chief Jagan Mohan Reddy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing Jagan of attempting a counterattack.

During an NDA legislative party meeting, Naidu claimed the previous government did not spare Sri Venkateswara temple from using substandard and animal fat-containing ingredients for making laddus. TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao confirmed in a press conference that lab tests had revealed the presence of animal fat and lard in samples, and steps were being taken to blacklist the contractor responsible for the adulterated ghee.

(With inputs from agencies.)