Velagapudi, Feb 27: YSRCP MLCs strongly questioned why the TDP-led coalition government is afraid to hold a discussion on the Tirumala laddu issue if no wrongdoing was committed under the guise of ghee adulteration. Speaking at the Assembly Media Point in Velagapudi, they asked whether corruption was committed through Indapur Dairy, whether TTD funds were diverted to Heritage, and why the government is obstructing a debate despite agreeing to it in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC). They stated that merely mentioning the Tirumala laddu issue is creating tremors within coalition members, and government violating Assembly conventions by offering to make a statement during a short discussion instead of allowing a proper debate.
The MLCs stated that for four consecutive days they have been demanding a discussion on the Tirumala laddu controversy, but the ruling party members are creating chaos in the House after agreeing in the BAC. They stated that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who sought political mileage through the laddu issue, has been exposed by the CBI-SIT charge sheet. According to them, evidence suggests that under the cover of Indapur Dairy, attempts were made to divert TTD funds to his family-owned Heritage Foods, leaving the government unable to answer questions. After the falsity of allegations became evident to the public, the Chief Minister is now attempting to evade responsibility by claiming he spoke based on newspaper reports or information from others. They termed such statements from persons holding high office as shameful and demanded that Chandrababu apologize to devotees for creating a controversy in the name of adulterated ghee. They warned that during the discussion scheduled on March 4, they will expose what they described as corruption and deception linked to the laddu issue.
MLC Vanka Ravinder Nath said democratic values are deteriorating in the Council and that the opposition’s voice is being suppressed to prevent public issues from being discussed. Kumbha Ravibabu alleged that Chandrababu deliberately spread false propaganda about adulterated ghee to emotionally manipulate millions of devotees worldwide and that the entire conspiracy was aimed at siphoning TTD funds to Heritage. He accused the government of running away from debate out of fear and acting contrary to legislative traditions. Ramasubba Reddy said people are eagerly waiting for the truth to emerge and alleged that Chandrababu dragged Lord Venkateswara into politics for selfish gains. He claimed that instead of answering questions about Indapur–Heritage links, the Chief Minister has resorted to divisive politics.
Kavuru Srinivas stated that Chandrababu created the laddu controversy and hurt the sentiments of devotees, and must apologize. Parvata Reddy Chandrasekhar Reddy described TTD as a matter of national prestige and said Chandrababu must explain how ghee tankers rejected by TTD re-entered and were allegedly used for laddu preparation during his tenure. He accused the ruling party of turning the Assembly into a TDP office and said the Chief Minister is avoiding the Council out of fear. MV Ramachandra Reddy alleged that mikes are being cut when YSRCP members speak and that chaos is being engineered to prevent exposure of Heritage-related issues. Bomm Israel criticized Chandrababu for making inflammatory claims even after the SIT clarified that no animal fat was found, and said shifting to allegations about other substances only exposes political motives. Sipayi Subrahmanyam said leaders in high office cannot justify their statements by claiming they merely read them in newspapers and must accept responsibility and apologize.
MLC Varudu Kalyani questioned why the government is fleeing from debate if there were no irregularities, and asked why references to Indapur Dairy cause discomfort if there is no link with Heritage. She also questioned reported changes on the Heritage website and alleged that the government fears exposure of past actions affecting Hindu institutions. Kalpalatha Reddy said the government repeatedly rejected adjournment motions but was forced to agree to a debate due to persistent opposition pressure, only to create disorder in the House. She questioned whether the government still stands by the earlier statements made by Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan on the laddu issue, and accused Minister Payyavula Keshav of misleading proceedings by proposing a mere statement instead of a full debate. The YSRCP MLCs reiterated that they will firmly confront the government on March 4 and place all facts before the public.
*Auto-renewal of liquor shops will cost exchequer Rs 3,000 crore: YSRCP*
