Amaravati — Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu told the state Assembly that adulterated ghee was supplied to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) during the previous government’s tenure, alleging that ₹234 crore was spent and 20.01 crore laddus were prepared using the product.
Delivering a PowerPoint presentation on the issue, Naidu said tender conditions were diluted in early 2020 and that a report by the Central Food Technological Research Institute in 2022 on ghee adulteration was suppressed by the then TTD Trust Board chairman. He alleged that authorities failed to act against suppliers and that fake documents were used to continue ghee supplies.
According to the Chief Minister, after the coalition government assumed office, ghee samples were sent for testing. The National Dairy Development Board reported the presence of animal fat, he said. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed following directions from the Supreme Court, which also ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry. The CBI later submitted a report to the state government suggesting corrections in TTD administration, Naidu said.
He also alleged that between 2019 and 2024, 2,032 attacks on temples were reported and raised concerns about religious activities and administrative decisions during the previous regime.
Naidu said reforms have since been initiated at TTD, including changes to procurement processes, quality controls with FSSAI certification, improved food services and crowd management systems. He stated that measures were taken to enhance facilities for devotees and renovate 200 temples nationwide.
