The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government led by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has come under intense scrutiny for its handling of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the revered Tirupati temple. Critics have accused the government of undermining the faith of the Hindu majority and transforming the TTD board into a political and personal tool.
Controversial Appointments
One of the most contentious decisions was the appointment of Jagan Reddy’s uncle to head the TTD board. In 2021, this appointment sparked widespread outrage due to allegations that the appointee held “anti-Hindu leanings.” Though Jagan’s uncle publicly declared himself a practicing Hindu, the uproar forced the government to reconsider the appointment. Critics viewed it as an inappropriate move given that Jagan Reddy himself is a Christian, leading to accusations that the government was appointing non-Hindus to manage one of the most important Hindu institutions.
Later that year, Jagan appointed Karunakar Reddy to head the board, despite allegations of Christian sympathies. This decision further fueled the controversy, as Reddy’s daughter had been married in a ceremony that followed overtly Christian traditions. Many argued that the YSRCP government failed to respect Hindu sentiments and could have been more sensitive in its decisions regarding the leadership of the TTD.
Beef Fat, Lard, Fish Oil In Ghee: Adulteration And Mismanagement
The handling of the temple’s traditional supply chain also came under fire. On 1 August 2023, after the Congress came to power, the Karnataka Milk Producers Federation (KMF), which had supplied ghee to the temple for 50 years, demanded a higher price for its product. The TTD board, under the YSRCP government, refused the new terms and awarded the contract to another company. This decision raised eyebrows, as it discarded a long-standing tradition of using Nandini Ghee for the temple’s iconic Srivari Laddus.
The situation worsened when lab reports revealed that the ghee purchased from new traders was adulterated with beef tallow, pig fat, fish oil, and other impurities. These findings led to widespread condemnation, with many accusing the government of sacrilege against Hindu customs. Critics argued that this was a blatant act of disrespect, especially considering that the temple is one of the holiest sites for Hindus.
After the formation of the new government, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) resumed supplying ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Following concerns raised by TTD members at a press conference about why ghee from other brands was being purchased, excluding KMF’s Nandini brand, the temple authorities reached out to KMF. The federation then re-entered the tender process and became the lowest bidder, securing the contract to supply 3.5 lakh kg of ghee. The first tanker was dispatched a few days ago.
Many viewed this move as a necessary step to preserve the sanctity of the prasadam (holy offering) production process, with the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) hailing the return of the original ghee as a victory.
Governance Concerns: Political Appointees and Allegations of Corruption
Further criticism was directed at the YSRCP government for its decision to constitute an 81-member trust to oversee the TTD, including 52 special invitees. Many saw this as an attempt to fill the board with political loyalists and undermine its impartiality. An ordinance was passed amending the Endowments Act of 1987 to allow for the appointment of these special invitees, leading to accusations that the TTD was being used as a vehicle for political favors.
In response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the Andhra Pradesh High Court suspended the Government Order appointing 18 board members and special invitees. The PIL argued that 14 of the appointees had criminal backgrounds, while others were selected purely for political reasons. The court’s intervention highlighted concerns over the integrity of the board’s governance and raised questions about whether these appointees adhered to Hindu customs and traditions.
This article is based on an X post by Rahul Shivshankar.
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