AP Finance Minister Exposes YSRCP's Role in TTD Ghee Adulteration Scandal
In a significant development, Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav launched a scathing attack on the opposition YSRCP on Saturday, presenting damning evidence from a CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) report regarding the adulteration of ghee supplied to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).
SIT Report Confirms Presence of Animal Fat in Sacred Prasadam
Keshav categorically refuted YSRCP's claims that the SIT had ruled out animal fat contamination in the ghee used for preparing the sacred laddu prasadam. The minister revealed that the SIT report explicitly mentions that the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) analysis confirmed traces of animal fat in the samples. This finding directly contradicts the opposition party's assertions and raises serious concerns about the sanctity of the prasadam distributed to millions of devotees.
Suppressed Reports and Systematic Corruption Uncovered
The finance minister pointed to a 2022 report from the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) that was allegedly suppressed by the TTD administration during the YSRCP regime. "This report confirmed adulteration, yet it was deliberately hidden from public knowledge," Keshav stated. He emphasized that the CBI investigation has established clear corruption, with laboratory reports confirming that the supplied substance was not genuine ghee but rather a chemical compound.
How Procurement Norms Were Diluted Under YSRCP Rule
Keshav traced the origins of the scandal to 2019, when the YSRCP government allegedly changed procurement guidelines. Between 2014 and 2019, suppliers were required to meet stringent criteria:
- Minimum turnover of Rs 250 crore
- Three years of industry experience
- Milk procurement capacity of 4 lakh litres
- Regular inspections and laboratory testing through a dedicated committee
These essential safeguards were systematically dismantled during the YSRCP administration, according to Keshav, paving the way for ineligible dairies that reportedly did not procure even a single litre of milk to supply adulterated products to the TTD.
Detailed Findings from CFTRI and Financial Fraud
The minister disclosed that TTD had sent ghee samples for testing during the YSRCP regime. In 2022, CFTRI Mysuru confirmed adulteration, detecting:
- Various chemicals
- Beta-sitosterol
- Animal fat
- Residual substances
Keshav stated that the SIT documented how this critical report was suppressed, with no action taken against those responsible. The investigation further uncovered a financial fraud estimated at Rs 240 crore. According to the SIT findings, Chinna Appanna, personal assistant to then TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy, allegedly demanded ₹25 per litre as kickbacks from Bholebaba Dairy. When the dairy refused, it was declared ineligible and forced to route supplies through alternative channels.
"Approximately Rs 4 crore was allegedly credited to Appanna's account," Keshav revealed, adding that the CBI continues to investigate to trace the remaining amount involved in this massive scandal.
Political Implications and Future Legal Action
The 219-page SIT report meticulously documents what Keshav described as "a conspiracy and systematic wrongdoing by the YSRCP government that deeply affected devotees' sentiments." The finance minister challenged the opposition party to produce any report contradicting these findings, asserting that the evidence is overwhelming and incontrovertible.
Regarding future steps, Keshav indicated that the Chief Minister would decide on the appropriate legal course after thoroughly reviewing the comprehensive SIT report. This development marks a significant escalation in the political battle between the ruling party and opposition in Andhra Pradesh, with religious sentiments and governance integrity at the center of the controversy.
