Tirupati Laddu Row: Panel Flags Ghee Irregularities

The Tirupati laddu controversy deepens as a member committee report alleges 70 lakh kg ghee was procured without mandatory checks, raising concerns over safety and governance.

Massive procurement lapses

Hyderabad: A member inquiry committee has flagged serious irregularities in the procurement of ghee used in the iconic Tirupati laddu prasadam, pointing to systemic failures within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The panel’s findings suggest that nearly 70 lakh kilograms of ghee was purchased without adhering to mandatory quality checks, with some batches reportedly used even before laboratory verification.

According to officials familiar with the report, these lapses were not isolated. The committee has described the issue as indicative of deeper administrative breakdowns and possible collusion among stakeholders involved in the procurement chain.

Adulteration concerns flagged

The report notes that several ghee samples tested positive for Sitosterol, a compound typically associated with vegetable oil adulteration. A lab report dated August 3, 2022, had already indicated contamination. However, the committee observed that no decisive action followed.

Despite evidence pointing to adulteration, the procurement process continued uninterrupted. Suppliers linked to questionable batches were neither blacklisted nor penalised, raising concerns about enforcement gaps.

Officials said the continued use of such ghee directly compromised both public health and religious sanctity, given the laddu’s significance for devotees visiting the Tirumala temple.

Former EO under scanner

The panel has held former TTD Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy primarily responsible for weakening procurement safeguards. It alleges that tender rules were diluted under his watch, allowing questionable suppliers to remain in the system.

The report also claims that despite confirmed adulteration, no corrective steps were initiated. However, Dharma Reddy has earlier maintained that all procurement decisions were taken collectively and in accordance with contractual norms.

Tender norms diluted

One of the key findings relates to the structure of the procurement process itself. The committee observed that unusually low bids were accepted, often making it economically unviable to supply pure ghee.

In several instances, prices were reportedly revised downward through informal negotiations after tenders were finalised — a move that contravenes standard procedures. The panel believes this created an environment where adulteration became more likely.

Additionally, mandatory food safety protocols were allegedly ignored. Even after Sitosterol testing became compulsory from July 1, 2022, it was not fully integrated into TTD’s procurement practices during that period.

Network and supply chain issues

The committee has also pointed to the presence of an organised network. According to its findings, a major supplier continued operations through intermediary dairies even after being disqualified.

This workaround, the panel noted, exposed significant loopholes in monitoring mechanisms. It suggests that enforcement failures allowed such practices to persist without scrutiny.

Wider accountability questioned

The inquiry has widened its scope beyond administrative officials. The role of the purchase committee is under examination, with allegations against political figures including Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy.

The report states that decisions taken collectively by the committee contributed to the dilution of safeguards. Both leaders, along with other members, were part of the decision-making process that allegedly relaxed tender norms.

Political backdrop

The controversy gained traction after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of allowing adulterated ghee to be used in laddu preparation between 2019 and 2024.

The YSRCP, however, has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated, calling for an impartial review of the findings.

Next steps awaited

The committee, formed in February 2026 and led by retired IAS officer Dinesh Kumar, has recommended strict disciplinary action against those found responsible. It has also called for systemic reforms to plug procedural gaps and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

While the report has laid out a detailed account of alleged irregularities, no major action has been publicly announced so far. Officials indicated that further review and consultations are likely before any punitive measures are taken.

The Tirupati laddu controversy continues to draw attention, with its implications spanning faith, governance, and food safety — issues that are unlikely to fade soon.