Council adjourned as Ministers, YSRCP members trade barbs over Tirumala laddu row

Proceedings in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council was marred by repeated disruptions on Wednesday (February 4) as a heated debate over the alleged adulteration of ghee used in Tirumala laddus triggered sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches. The House was eventually adjourned till Thursday following protests by YSRCP members.

Tensions escalated after Minister for Agriculture Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, during the short-duration discussion, referred to former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in religious terms. Objecting strongly, YSRCP MLCs rushed to the Chairman’s (Moshen Raju in the chair) podium, demanding that the remarks be withdrawn and an apology tendered. Though the House was briefly adjourned, sloganeering resumed when proceedings restarted, with the Minister reiterating his stand and questioning why Mr. Jagan had not visited Tirumala with his family during his tenure.

The debate had been admitted by the Council Chairman with a one-hour allocation. Independent MLC P. Chandrasekhar Reddy initiated the discussion, raising allegations related to ghee procurement and referring to Heritage. TDP members objected, asserting that Heritage Foods had no link with the Tirumala laddu issue. Mr. Atchannaidu maintained that attempts were being made to divert attention from the core issue of adulteration and said he was prepared for a detailed debate for as many days as required. Following objections from the Chair over certain remarks, the Minister later withdrew them and expressed regret.

Minister for Education and IT Nara Lokesh also entered the debate, strongly countering allegations raised by YSRCP members. Stating that his family had deep reverence for Lord Venkateswara, he said they had been conducting annadanam at Tirumala for the past decade. Lokesh argued that contracts were awarded only to the L-1 bidder in tender processes and questioned whether ghee could realistically be supplied at ₹300 a kg without adulteration. He further cited references to a CBI chargesheet and remarks attributed to a former TTD chairman, asserting that evidence of adulteration existed.

YSRCP members later described the day as a “dark chapter” in the Council’s history. Leaders, including Botsa Satyanarayana, alleged that the ruling party had obstructed their attempt to present documentary evidence regarding alleged links between Tirupati laddu procurement and dairy suppliers. They demanded action against Mr. Atchannaidu, accusing the government of politicising faith to deflect scrutiny. With both sides trading charges and counter-charges, the House was adjourned amid uproar.