SIT and CBI Probe Ordered in TTD Adulterated Ghee Issue
Government Takes Major Reforms After TTD Adulterated Ghee Issue
Amaravati: The TTD adulterated ghee issue created a major political and religious storm after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu revealed shocking details in the State Assembly, exposing serious irregularities in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams during the previous government’s tenure.
Making a detailed PowerPoint presentation, Chandrababu Naidu said adulterated ghee worth ₹234 crore was supplied to TTD, and nearly 20.01 crore laddus prepared using the contaminated ghee were distributed to devotees, hurting the sentiments of millions of people.
The Chief Minister said the TTD adulterated ghee issue was one of the biggest scandals affecting the sanctity of Tirumala temple.
Unanswered Questions in the TTD Ghee Scandal
SIT and CBI Investigation into TTD Adulterated Ghee Issue
Chandrababu Naidu said immediately after coming to power, his government ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the TTD adulterated ghee issue to identify those responsible.
However, the previous ruling party challenged the SIT probe in the Supreme Court. The apex court later ordered that the investigation should continue without political interference and also directed a CBI inquiry.
The CBI submitted its report recommending several corrective measures in TTD administration.
Naidu said the investigation found tender rules were deliberately changed in 2020 to favour certain companies.
The Central Food Technological Research Institute had submitted a report confirming adulteration in ghee in 2022, but the report was allegedly suppressed by the then TTD Trust Board chairman.
The National Dairy Development Board later confirmed the presence of animal fat in the ghee supplied to Tirumala.
The SIT investigation also found chemicals were mixed in ghee and recommended strict action against the accused.
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Temple Sanctity Damaged Due to TTD Adulterated Ghee Issue
The Chief Minister said the TTD adulterated ghee issue was not an isolated incident but part of a larger administrative failure.
He said attacks on temples increased between 2019 and 2024, with over 2,032 temple attacks reported.
He recalled that cases were filed against him when he protested the desecration of Sri Rama idol at Ramatheertham.
Naidu also alleged that TTD Trust Board positions were used for political purposes.
He said religious propaganda of other faiths was noticed in Tirumala institutions, and even controversial images appeared on TTD platforms.
He said all these incidents affected Tirumala’s reputation.
https://ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in/home/dashboard
Government Reforms After TTD Adulterated Ghee Issue
The Chief Minister said the present government has taken several corrective measures after the TTD adulterated ghee issue came to light.
He said strict quality control systems have been implemented.
All ghee and ingredients are now procured only after FSSAI certification.
He said Srivari laddu quality has improved significantly.
Nearly 98 percent of devotees expressed satisfaction with food quality.
He said modern kitchens, additional milk counters, and accommodation reforms were implemented.
A command control center was established to monitor operations.
Queue management systems will be introduced.
Steps to Protect Tirumala Devotees
Naidu said Annadanam programs worth ₹700 crore are being implemented.
Temple infrastructure is being modernized.
Environmental protection projects including a Divine Medicinal Garden are being developed.
He said the government is fully committed to protecting Tirumala sanctity.
He assured strict punishment for those involved in the TTD adulterated ghee issue.
He said protecting devotees’ faith is the government’s top priority.
Devotees’ Trust Must Be Protected in TTD Adulterated Ghee Issue
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said the TTD adulterated ghee issue is not just an administrative lapse but a matter affecting the faith of crores of devotees across the world. He said Tirumala is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers, and any negligence will not be tolerated. He assured that the government is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and quality in TTD operations. He said advanced monitoring systems, strict quality testing, and vigilance mechanisms are now in place to prevent such incidents in the future. He also said restoring devotees’ confidence is the government’s top priority.
Hanumantha Rao is the Editor of Good Morning Andhra English Daily with over 15 years of experience in journalism covering politics, public affairs, and regional news.
