TTD board became like ‘gambling’ during YSRC regime, says Naidu

Andhra Pradesh government form SIT to probe the irregularities; CM says crores of Hindus' sentiments were hurt

Amaravati: Hitting out at the previous YSRCP government, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that several procedures to procure ghee at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) were altered during the earlier regime, prompting him to form a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the irregularities.

He also alleged that appointments to the TTD board became like “gambling” during the previous government and there were instances of appointing people who had no faith and giving preferences to non-Hindus on the board.

---

Addressing a press conference at his Undavalli residence, the CM said crores of Hindus’ sentiments were hurt after the revelations with regard to laddus that animal fats were allegedly used to make them and added that they are enraged.

“An IG level or above officer manned SIT will be formed. It will probe all the reasons, misuse of power and give a report to the government. The government will take stringent action to avoid recurrences (laddu adulteration), there is no compromise,” said Naidu.

Naidu said, as per the earlier conditions, the ghee supplier should have at least three years of experience. However, after Jaganmohan Reddy came to power, it was reduced to one year. The CM also said that the required turnover of the supplier was also reduced to Rs 150 crore from the earlier Rs 250 crore, among other relaxations.

Naidu asked how one can supply pure ghee at Rs 319 per kg when even palm oil is costlier than that. He said AR Dairy Foods Pvt Ltd started supplying ghee from June 12, 2024. Referring to the letter written by Jagan to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the YSRCP chief was trying to counterattack by shooting off letters.

Lambasting several points mentioned by Reddy in his letter to Modi, Naidu said the YSRCP chief was irresponsibly justifying his government’s actions between 2019 and 2024, which led to the alleged sacrilegious deeds at the world-renowned temple.