Tirumala Laddu Ghee Issue: Reports Buried, Benami Fund Diversion Alleged

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav on Saturday revealed sensational details regarding alleged irregularities in the preparation of Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy’s sacred laddu prasadam . He alleged that the previous YSRCP government treated ghee procurement purely as a commercial transaction, showing no reverence towards the deity and hurting devotees’ sentiments. Addressing a press conference in Amaravati , the minister accused the former government of suppressing facts related to the issue.

Reports Allegedly Suppressed by Previous Government

Referring to ghee sample testing, the minister said samples sent to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) indicated the possible presence of animal fats . Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also cited the same report. Tests conducted at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru , reportedly confirmed ghee adulteration . However, the previous government allegedly suppressed these reports . He further claimed that tender norms were altered to benefit select companies.

₹240-Crore Scam Alleged; Charges Against Subba Reddy’s PA

Citing the SIT chargesheet , the minister said the alleged scam involved fraud worth nearly ₹240 crore . According to the investigation, the personal assistant of former TTD Chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy allegedly accepted ₹4 crore in bribes from dairy firms and diverted the money to benami accounts . He asserted that those who misused devotees’ funds would not be spared.

However, the SIT chargesheet also stated that there was no conclusive proof of animal fat in the laddu prasadam. The probe found irregularities mainly in ghee procurement, tender modifications, and quality control lapses.

‘20 Crore Laddus Compromised,’ Alleges TTD Chairman

Meanwhile, TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu alleged that 60 lakh kg of adulterated ghee supplied between 2019 and 2024 was used to prepare nearly 20 crore laddus . He said the chargesheet named 36 accused , including nine TTD officials . He demanded CBI-led micro-DNA tests to identify the main conspirators.

The issue has now triggered political allegations and counter-allegations , with the ruling party calling it systemic correction , while the opposition terms it a political attack. The investigation’s finding that the sanctity of the laddu was not proven to be compromised has become a key point in the debate.