TTD Laddu Ghee: Political Blame Game Intensifies Over One-Man Commission’s Findings
The issue is likely to be taken up at the TTD board meeting on May 6
TIRUPATI: The political fight over the ghee procurement for Tirumala laddu have intensified with rival parties offering differing interpretations of a one-man commission’s findings on the ghee supplies to TTD.
TTD board member and BJP leader Bhanu Prakash Reddy called for action against four former officials and board members reportedly named in the inquiry conducted by former chief secretary Dinesh Kumar.
He said the report pointed to the roles of former TTD executive officer Anil Kumar Singhal, former additional EO AV Dharma Reddy and former board chairmen YV Subba Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy in alleged irregularities. He alleged that relaxation of procurement procedures and dilution of quality norms during the previous administration allowed substandard ghee into the system.
The issue is likely to be taken up at the TTD board meeting on May 6, where a resolution seeking action may be introduced.
Jana Sena leader Kiran Royal also demanded strict action, stating that the inquiry had identified the errant and that the issue had hurt devotees’ sentiments. He urged the government to initiate legal proceedings against those linked to the case.
Responding to the allegations, Bhumana rejected the charges as politically motivated. He said the Supreme Court-monitored SIT probe had found no evidence linking political leaders to the issue and alleged attempts to defame them. He denied claims of animal fat usage in laddu preparation and termed the commission report one-sided.
Bhumana questioned the commission's credibility, alleging selective examination and claiming that parts of the report were circulated in sections of the media before its official release. Action, he said, can be taken against him if any wrongdoing was established. and called for scrutiny of procurement decisions under the current administration.
Adding to the criticism, former TTD board member OV Ramana said policies followed during the YSRC government’s term were continuing in TTD. He referred to aspects mentioned in the CBI-led SIT chargesheet and questioned why no action had been taken.
Ramana also raised concern over the quality and composition of the laddu prasadam, stating that key ingredients such as cashew nuts, raisins, kalkand and cardamom were not present as per prescribed standards. He questioned adherence to the 165-gram specification and alleged that procurement practices, including rice supply, continued without changes.
Ramana expressed concerns over the functioning of the SRIVANI trust, alleging irregularities and opposing the inclusion of special invitees and ex-officio members in key committees, while urging the CM to intervene.
