Adulterated ghee used in 20.01 crore Tirumala laddus between 2019–24, claims CM Naidu

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday alleged in the Assembly that large-scale irregularities, including the supply of adulterated ghee for the preparation of Srivari laddus, occurred in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) during the previous YSRCP government’s tenure.

Making a detailed PowerPoint presentation, the Chief Minister claimed that ghee worth Rs 234 crore was procured under diluted tender norms and that nearly 20.01 crore laddus were prepared using adulterated ghee and distributed to devotees between 2019 and 2024.

He said the coalition government is committed to safeguarding the sanctity of Tirumala and protecting the sentiments of devotees.

SIT probe and CBI inquiry

CM Naidu said that soon after assuming office, he ordered a revamp of TTD systems and initiated the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged adulteration.

The matter later reached the Supreme Court, which directed that there should be no political interference and ordered a CBI-led inquiry.

According to the Chief Minister, the CBI submitted a report to the State government recommending corrective measures in TTD administration. He also stated that a petition seeking a one-man commission was dismissed.

The SIT investigation, he said, found evidence suggesting the presence of animal fat and use of chemicals in the ghee supplied to TTD. Reports from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) also indicated irregularities.

He alleged that fake documents were used to continue supplies and that a personal assistant to a former TTD chairman was caught accepting a Rs 4.5 crore bribe.

‘Tender norms diluted, reports suppressed’

The Chief Minister alleged that tender conditions were diluted during January–February 2020.

He further claimed that a report by the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in 2022 pointing to adulteration was suppressed by the then TTD Trust Board chairman.

Instead of taking action against suppliers, authorities allegedly remained silent, he said.

Allegations of rise in temple attacks

CM Naidu also alleged that attacks on Hindu temples increased between 2019 and 2024, claiming that incidents were reported in 2,032 temples during that period.

He further alleged that religious propaganda of other faiths was noticed on RTC tickets for Tirumala-bound buses and that the TTD Trust Board was used for political rehabilitation.

Referring to past controversies, he said attempts were made during earlier regimes to limit the sacred Seven Hills of Tirumala to two hills, a move that was later withdrawn following protests by devotees and religious leaders.

Heritage Dairy clarification

Responding to what he termed a ‘false campaign’ linking the ghee controversy to Heritage Foods, CM Naidu said no Heritage products were supplied to the government and not a single kilogram of ghee had been procured from the company by any government department.

He clarified that Indapur Dairy in Pune, which was mentioned in reports, has no connection with Heritage in the alleged ghee issue and only undertakes co-manufacturing for multiple companies.

'Steps taken after change of government'

Highlighting corrective measures, the Chief Minister said the quality of Srivari Laddu prasadam has been improved and that ingredients are now procured only after FSSAI certification. He claimed that 98 per cent of devotees expressed satisfaction with the improved Anna Prasadam quality.

Other measures include:

24/7 milk counters at queues

Centralised room and darshan allocation system

Regulation of break darshans to increase access for common devotees

Establishment of a Command Control Centre for crowd monitoring

Renovation of 200 temples across the country

Implementation of queue management systems in major temples

He said arrangements were made to ensure smooth conduct of major festivals such as Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Brahmotsavams and Ratha Saptami, and that an Annadanam programme worth Rs 700 crore is being implemented across 60 TTD temples.

Emphasising religious harmony, Naidu said no one has the right to hurt the sentiments of people of any faith and added that the government is focused on restoring transparency, sanctity and administrative efficiency in TTD.