Obscure company awarded ghee contract by previous govt: Anam

Minister for Endowments Anam Ramanarayana Reddy has alleged that an obscure company was awarded the ghee supply contract by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) during the previous YSRCP regime.
Addressing a public meeting as part of the ‘Idi Manchi Prabutvam’ programme in Atmakur town on Monday, the Minister expressed concern over the TTD’s decision to award the ghee contract to a company with less than a year’s experience.
“As per TTD rules, the ghee supply contract should be given to a company with at least three years of experience. However, defying these norms, the then TTD board handed the contract to a company with only one year’s experience,” he criticised.
The Minister further revealed that laboratory tests had shown the ghee used in preparing the famous ‘Laddu Prasadam’ contained traces of animal fat. “This company offered to supply cow ghee at Rs 300 per kg, whereas quality ghee is available in the open market for Rs 550 per kg. How can a company provide cow ghee at such a low price? This clearly indicates that the previous TTD administration compromised on quality,” he asserted.
He went on to accuse the previous YSRCP government of ignoring the sentiments of crores of devotees in purchasing substandard ghee. “Using adulterated ghee for preparing Laddu Prasadam and offering ‘Naivedyam’ to Lord Venkateswara has shocked millions of devotees,” he added.
The Minister also informed that ‘Samprokshana’ rituals were being performed in temples across the state to restore their sanctity. “Maha Samprokshana and temple purification rituals are being conducted as the adulterated ghee has defiled the temples. I visited the Poleramma temple in Venkatagiri today and prayed for the goddess to forgive and protect us,” he said.
In addition, the Minister outlined the various welfare schemes being implemented by the government, including the mega DSC, which aims to fill 16,437 teacher posts. He also highlighted the increase in social security pensions from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 and assured that all the ‘Super Six’ promises would be fulfilled. The government has credited Rs 4,408 crore worth of social security pensions to 65.18 lakh beneficiaries on the same day.
Minister Ramanarayana Reddy also praised the reopening of Anna Canteens across the state, providing nutritious meals at affordable prices. He recalled how Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu personally monitored the Budameru rivulet flood situation in Vijayawada by wading through the waters.