Andhra Pradesh Opposition Leader Accuses CM Naidu of Corruption in Tirumala Temple Ghee Procurement

Legislative Council Opposition Leader Botsa Satyanarayana has launched a scathing attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of corruption in the procurement of ghee used in making Tirumala temple’s sacred laddu prasadam.

During a press conference in Amaravati on Tuesday, Satyanarayana claimed that ghee previously procured at approximately Rs 320 per kg is now being supplied at around Rs 700 per kg through Indapur Dairy. He alleged this dairy has direct connections to Naidu’s “Heritage” company, effectively doubling the procurement price and misusing public funds.

“The Chief Minister has not spared even temple offerings in his pursuit of financial gain. God would not forgive a conspiracy done to benefit private interests,” Satyanarayana stated, demanding an open discussion on what he described as corrupt practices behind the price increase.

The opposition leader’s allegations come amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Tirumala laddu prasadam. Satyanarayana accused Naidu of deliberately politicizing the sacred offering by previously claiming that animal fat and pig fat were found in the laddu ghee—allegations that have since been proven false by a Supreme Court-monitored CBI-SIT investigation.

“The entire laddu controversy and adulteration narrative were baseless accusations created by Chandrababu for political gain. The SIT findings have now exposed these as lies,” Satyanarayana asserted.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, is one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the world. The temple’s laddu prasadam is considered sacred by millions of devotees who visit the shrine annually, making any controversy surrounding it particularly sensitive.

Satyanarayana questioned the government’s reluctance to engage in debate on the ghee procurement issue. “If the government has nothing to hide, why is it avoiding discussion? We’re ready to present concrete evidence showing links between Heritage and Indapur, but the government prefers issuing indirect explanations rather than facing debate.”

The opposition leader also criticized the state budget as “hollow and diversionary,” claiming it offers no tangible benefits to farmers, students, youth, or the unemployed. He asserted that the budget fails to reflect implementation of Naidu’s promised “Super Six” guarantees that were central to his election campaign.

“The government is avoiding discussions on both ghee procurement and pressing public issues because the truth would become evident,” Satyanarayana claimed. He demanded transparency regarding milk prices when ghee was purchased at Rs 320 versus the current procurement rate of Rs 700.

The allegations are particularly significant as they implicate a sitting Chief Minister in potentially using his position to benefit private business interests. Satyanarayana called on the BJP, which is in coalition with Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh, to clarify whether it supports such actions.

“Leaders entrusted with protecting public wealth have no moral right to remain in power if they misuse it in this way,” Satyanarayana declared. He concluded that the Tirumala laddu issue was primarily raised to divert attention from a weak budget and unfulfilled promises.

The controversy adds another dimension to the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh, where Naidu returned to power earlier this year after defeating the YSR Congress Party. The opposition’s allegations highlight the complex interplay between politics, religion, and business interests in the state.

Neither Chief Minister Naidu nor representatives from the Heritage company have responded to these specific allegations at the time of reporting. The government has yet to agree to the opposition’s demand for an open discussion on ghee procurement practices.