TTD ghee supply scam a ‘Grave Betrayal of Faith’: Babu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday levelled serious allegations in the State Assembly, claiming that a massive scam took place in the supply of ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) during the previous government’s tenure, describing it as a grave sacrilege and a betrayal of devotees’ faith.

Speaking during a short-duration discussion on the alleged adulterated ghee controversy, the Chief Minister said the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) contained shocking evidence pointing to a systematic and pre-planned conspiracy. According to him, ghee used in preparing Srivari laddu prasadam was allegedly adulterated with hazardous chemicals and animal fat, amounting to a serious offence against religious sentiments.

Naidu alleged that the scam originated from deliberate alterations to tender norms intended to favour ineligible firms. Key eligibility conditions, including mandatory milk procurement capacity of four lakh litres per day, were reportedly removed, while minimum turnover requirements were reduced from Rs. 250 crore to Rs. 150 crore. Experience criteria were diluted and technical inspections waived, enabling shell companies such as Bole Baba and Vaishnavi Dairy to secure supply contracts, he claimed.

Quoting SIT findings, the Chief Minister said the supplied product was not genuine ghee but a chemical blend allegedly made using refined palm oil and palm kernel oil. He further alleged that substances such as beta carotene for colour, acetic acid esters for aroma, and detergent-related chemicals like LABSA acid were used in the mixture. Referring to a July 2024 report by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), he said traces of animal fat, including beef tallow, were detected, an issue that deeply hurt devotees’ sentiments.

Naidu also accused officials and intermediaries of accepting bribes to suppress adverse reports. He alleged that Rs. 4.69 crore was traced to the bank account of a personal aide to the then TTD chairman and claimed commissions were demanded on every kilogram of ghee supplied. Despite a 2022 laboratory report indicating adulteration, the findings were allegedly ignored, allowing continued supply through associated shell firms. The Chief Minister stated that SIT investigators seized fake laboratory reports, forged invoices, chemical drums, and diaries documenting alleged bribe transactions. Cases have been registered under charges including criminal conspiracy, food adulteration, cheating, hurting religious sentiments, and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Naidu further alleged that temple administration had been weakened under the previous regime and cited multiple incidents involving alleged attacks on temples between 2019 and 2024. He asserted that his government has initiated corrective measures and vowed strict punishment for those found guilty, stressing that protecting the sanctity of religious institutions remains a top priority.