Tirumala laddu issue continues to rock Legislative Council

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council witnessed another turbulent day on Friday as sharp exchanges continued over the alleged supply of adulterated ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for preparation of laddu prasadam, forcing adjournment without transacting scheduled business.

Chairman Koyye Moshenu Raju, referring to Thursday’s incidents, expressed regret that members sought to continue Question Hour even after he had declared it concluded.

He termed Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav’s allegations against him as “far from truth” and clarified that forwarding a note for a short-duration discussion did not amount to consenting to a ministerial statement.

Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu countered that the government held the Chair in “utmost respect” and had not made unfounded remarks. He said the government had decided in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) to discuss the Tirumala laddu issue even without formal notice, alleging that YSRCP members were blocking debate out of fear that facts would emerge. “We are ready to discuss for three days, if needed,” he asserted.

A view of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council.
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Later, addressing the media, TDP MLC Alapati Rajendra Prasad voiced concern that the proceedings were not being conducted effectively and accused the YSRCP of repeatedly moving adjournment motions on the same issue, disrupting Question Hour. He said the Ministers, including Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, were prepared to make statements but were prevented.

BJP MLC Somu Veerraju questioned why a notice distributed to 150 members was claimed as “not received” by the YSRCP, and said the Chair should remain above party lines. MLC Marri Rajasekhar alleged the the row was being revived to avoid an irrigation debate, including issues relating to the Pothireddypadu Head Regulator.

Government Chief Whip Panchumarthi Anuradha cited Rule 306, stating that the Minister had formally sought to make a statement on adulterated ghee, but the House was adjourned to March 4 without permitting it.

Meanwhile, YSRCP MLCs accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of engineering the controversy to shield alleged links between Indapur Dairy and Heritage Foods, demanding an apology to devotees and vowing to confront the government during the March 4 discussion.

YSRCP MLC T. Kalpalatha alleged that the government was continuously refusing to debate on the adjournment notices served by the opposition to discuss on Heritage Foods issue. Another MLC Varudu Kalyani pointed out that if Heritage was not involved, then why didn’t the government come forward for discussion.

Separately, MLC Vanka Ravindra Nath raised concerns over declining drug quality in government hospitals, alleging shortages of key medicines and seeking comprehensive reports on standards and supply lapses.