TTD Chairman BR Naidu Denies Heritage Foods Ghee Supply Amid Political Row
In Tirupati, the ongoing political conflict between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) over ghee supply contracts awarded to Maharashtra-based Indapur Dairy has taken a new turn. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman BR Naidu has intervened once again, issuing a firm clarification that Heritage Foods has never supplied ghee to the Tirupati trust, either directly or indirectly.
Allegations of Misleading Propaganda
In a detailed press release, Naidu alleged that the YSRCP, desperate to divert public attention from its own involvement in the supply of adulterated ghee to the Tirupati trust during its previous regime, is attempting to mislead people by falsely linking Indapur Dairy to Heritage Foods. "The YSRCP unleashed false propaganda by trying to repeat the same lies," Naidu stated. He expressed disappointment, noting, "It was unfortunate to see a senior politician like Botcha Satyanarayana also trying to mislead the people by displaying a packet of cheese while the whole controversy is about ghee."
Focus on Quality and Procurement
Naidu also dismissed numerous accusations from YSRCP leaders regarding the prices at which the Tirupati trust has procured ghee since the TDP regime began in the state in 2024. He emphasized that the newly constituted trust board prioritized improving the quality of sacred offerings. "The first and foremost thing which the newly constituted trust board focused its attention on was to improve the quality of the sacred Tirupati Laddus and other Annaprasadams at the Tirumala temple," Naidu asserted.
He explained that procurement guidelines were revised in trust board meetings to ensure the best ingredients were acquired at appropriate prices. "The significant improvement in the quality and taste of the Tirupati Laddus and other Annaprasadams is in itself a testimony to our commitment," he added.
Commitment to Devotees and Divine Offerings
Further underlining the trust's dedication, Naidu stressed that the TTD board will never compromise on ingredient quality under the pretext of prices. This commitment ensures that the best Naivedyams are offered to Lord Venkateswara and then distributed as prasadams to the countless devotees visiting the temple. The controversy highlights the intense political scrutiny surrounding the procurement processes at one of India's most revered religious institutions.
