YSRCP Demands Central Probe into TTD Ghee Procurement, Alleges Political Diversion
In a significant political development, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has leveled serious allegations of a Rs 200 crore ghee procurement scam within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), accusing Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of orchestrating the recent Tirupati laddu controversy as a smokescreen to conceal financial irregularities.
Allegations of Tender Manipulation and Price Inflation
Addressing the media in Vijayawada, YSRCP state coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy demanded an immediate Central Bureau of Investigation probe into what he described as systematic manipulation of TTD tender processes. According to detailed allegations presented by the opposition party:
- The price of ghee purchased by TTD allegedly skyrocketed from approximately ₹475 per kg to ₹716 per kg after September 2024
- This represented a massive premium compared to market rates where similar products were available at significantly lower prices
- Heritage ghee was reportedly available at ₹541 per kg, Indapur at ₹578 per kg, and Amul at ₹525 per kg in the open market
- The alleged price escalation suggests TTD paid nearly ₹200 more per kg than prevailing market rates
Political Conspiracy Allegations and Diversion Tactics
Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy asserted that the entire controversy surrounding alleged adulteration in Tirupati laddus was deliberately manufactured to shift public attention away from what he termed a "planned economic conspiracy" within the temple administration. The YSRCP coordinator claimed that Naidu, having lost political credibility in direct confrontations with Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, resorted to what he described as "irresponsible allegations" through his propaganda machinery.
"The core issue remains the massive financial irregularity in ghee procurement," Sajjala emphasized during his media briefing. "While TTD paid as high as ₹716 per kg, which increased from ₹475 per kg, the same product was available in the market at nearly ₹200 less per kg."
Specific Allegations Against Tender Process
The YSRCP leader presented detailed accusations regarding how the tender process was allegedly manipulated:
- Tender conditions were reportedly structured to favor only three specific companies—Nandini, Sangam, and Indapur
- These companies could allegedly secure orders either individually or through a sharing arrangement
- A "well-oiled mechanism" was purportedly established to ensure contracts went to firms with connections to the ruling establishment
- Benami firms allegedly linked to Naidu's family were accused of entering tenders with inflated prices
- The temple administration reportedly offered to make payments within 30 days, facilitating the alleged irregular transactions
Financial Implications and Political Fallout
According to YSRCP calculations, the excess payments since September 2024 could potentially exceed ₹200 crore, representing what the party describes as systematic looting of Lord Sri Venkateswara's temple funds. Sajjala further criticized the state government's response to the growing controversy, alleging that the appointment of a one-man commission was merely another attempt to deflect scrutiny and target political opponents rather than address the fundamental financial irregularities.
"The entire episode of adulterated ghee was scripted only to loot Lord Sri Venkateswara's money," Sajjala charged, suggesting that what appeared to be a food safety concern was actually a carefully constructed political diversion to mask substantial financial misconduct within one of India's most prominent religious institutions.
The allegations have added a new dimension to the ongoing political rivalry in Andhra Pradesh, with the opposition party positioning itself as the guardian of temple finances and transparency, while accusing the ruling establishment of exploiting religious institutions for political and financial gain.
