TTD Chairman Releases Data to Counter Political Allegations Over Ghee Procurement
In Tirupati, the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regarding ghee supply contracts for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has taken a new turn. TTD chairman BR Naidu has stepped forward with official procurement data to address the controversy directly.
Karnataka Milk Federation Remains Primary Supplier
Chairman BR Naidu firmly stated that the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) continues to be the largest ghee supplier for the TTD, fulfilling a substantial 62% of the temple trust's total ghee requirements. This clarification comes in response to allegations from the YSRCP suggesting that the Maharashtra-based Indapur Dairy secured ghee contracts only after the TDP assumed power.
To substantiate his claims, Naidu publicly released detailed ghee procurement records covering the period from 2024 to 2025. He emphasized that the newly constituted TTD trust board implemented a series of resolutions aimed at ensuring the procurement of high-quality cow ghee from reputable dairies nationwide. This move was prompted by complaints from devotees of Lord Venkateswara across the globe regarding the deteriorating quality of the sacred laddu prasadam, which was allegedly linked to the use of adulterated ghee during the previous YSRCP administration.
Transparent Tender Process and Supplier Participation
The revised ghee procurement guidelines, which strictly adhere to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) specifications, led to the calling of seven tender rounds. Seven nationally recognized dairies participated in this transparent process, including KMF, Mother Dairy, Indapur Dairy, Sangam Dairy, Premier Agri Foods, Kolhapur Dairy, and Govind Milk.
KMF emerged as the most successful bidder, securing four out of the seven tenders and supplying 60 lakh kilograms of ghee. This volume accounts for the majority 62% of the total ghee procured by TTD between 2024 and 2025. In contrast, Indapur Dairy qualified in only two of the seven tenders, with a supply allocation of 10 lakh kilograms of ghee.
Historical Participation and Price Justification
BR Naidu further dismissed claims that Indapur Dairy's involvement in TTD ghee supply tenders began exclusively under the TDP regime. He revealed that Indapur Dairy had participated in the ghee tender process approximately six times between 2019 and 2024, during the YSRCP's tenure as well.
Addressing allegations of inflated ghee prices under the current administration, Naidu explained that ghee prices are subject to fluctuations based on various market parameters. He assured that the prices at which TTD procured ghee from the national dairies were consistent with the suggestive prices recommended by the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India and the Indian Dairy Association (IDA).
This comprehensive data release aims to provide clarity and transparency, countering the political narrative with factual procurement details and emphasizing the trust's commitment to quality and fairness in its sacred offerings.
