Muddaada Ravichandra takes charge as TTD Executive Officer

Senior IAS officer Muddaada Ravichandra on Friday assumed charge as the new Executive Officer (EO) of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) . In the presence of Additional EO C.H. Venkaiah Chowdary , he took oath as a member of the TTD Board at the Bangaru Vakili (Golden Threshold) of the Tirumala Srivari Temple. He later offered prayers to the presiding deity, following which priests rendered Vedic blessings and presented him with theertha and prasadam.

Ravichandra has taken over from Anil Kumar Singhal , who was recently transferred. His appointment assumes significance in the backdrop of the controversy surrounding alleged adulteration of ghee used in the preparation of Tirumala laddu prasadam in recent months. The government has stated that officials at the time were negligent in finalising tender conditions related to the supply of ghee.

It may be recalled that allegations have been levelled against former EO Anil Kumar Singhal , FA and CAO O. Balaji , former Additional EO A.V. Dharma Reddy and others in connection with the alleged laddu ghee adulteration scam. The TDP-led NDA government has clarified that a CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting a detailed probe, stating that approval of tenders without proper scrutiny paved the way for the supply of adulterated ghee.

In this context, Muddaada Ravichandra faces challenging responsibilities as the new EO. Restoring devotees’ confidence in the quality of prasadam and safeguarding the sanctity of the temple are expected to be among his key priorities. Speaking after assuming charge, he said it was his good fortune to get the opportunity to serve the Lord .