YSRCP Demands Central Probe into TTD Ghee Procurement Irregularities
The YSR Congress Party has launched a scathing attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, alleging a "larger conspiracy" behind the recent Tirupati laddu controversy. Party leaders claim the entire episode was engineered to divert public attention from a massive Rs 200-crore ghee procurement scam within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
Allegations of Systematic Financial Irregularities
Addressing media representatives in Vijayawada on Saturday, YSRCP state coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy presented detailed allegations of financial misconduct in TTD's ghee procurement process. According to Reddy, the temple body's ghee purchase prices skyrocketed from approximately Rs 475 per kilogram to Rs 716 per kilogram after September 2024, despite identical products being available at significantly lower market rates.
"This represents a systematic effort to benefit select companies allegedly connected to Chief Minister Naidu," Reddy asserted during his press conference. "The tender conditions were deliberately structured to favor specific firms while excluding legitimate competitors."
Market Comparison Reveals Stark Discrepancies
Reddy provided a comprehensive market comparison to substantiate his allegations:
- Heritage ghee available at Rs 541 per kg in open market
- Indapur ghee selling at Rs 578 per kg
- Amul ghee priced at Rs 525 per kg
"All major brands, including companies owned by Naidu's family, are selling ghee nearly Rs 200 per kilogram cheaper than what TTD is paying," Reddy emphasized. "This clearly indicates deliberate overpricing and financial mismanagement."
Accusations of Tender Manipulation
The YSRCP coordinator alleged that a "well-oiled mechanism" ensured ghee supply contracts consistently went to favored companies through manipulated bidding processes. According to his claims, tender conditions were specifically designed to benefit only three companies—Nandini, Sangam, and Indapur—who secured orders either individually or through profit-sharing arrangements.
Reddy further accused the state government of attempting to deflect scrutiny by appointing a one-man commission to examine the issue after public controversy intensified. "This move was clearly aimed at shifting focus and targeting political opponents rather than addressing genuine financial irregularities," he stated.
Political Motivations Behind Laddu Controversy
The YSRCP leader claimed the entire adulterated ghee controversy was "scripted" specifically to mask what he described as a "planned economic conspiracy." According to Reddy, Naidu raised irresponsible allegations and mobilized his propaganda machinery to target the previous YSRCP government after losing political credibility in direct confrontations with Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
"The core issue remains the massive financial irregularity in ghee procurement," Reddy reiterated. "While TTD paid exorbitant prices, the same products were available at significantly lower rates in the open market. This represents nothing less than systematic looting of Lord Sri Venkateswara's resources."
Demand for Central Investigation
Based on these allegations, the YSRCP has formally demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the TTD's ghee procurement process and pricing decisions. Reddy claimed that excess payments since September 2024 could exceed Rs 200 crore, representing substantial financial losses to the temple body.
"We will not rest until this economic conspiracy is fully exposed and those responsible are held accountable," Reddy declared. "The people of Andhra Pradesh deserve transparency and accountability in the management of their most sacred temple's resources."
The allegations come amid heightened political tensions in Andhra Pradesh, with the YSRCP seeking to regain political momentum following recent electoral setbacks. The party's detailed accusations regarding TTD procurement practices represent a significant escalation in their ongoing political confrontation with the ruling Telugu Desam Party government.
