TTD and Heritage Foods Deny YSRCP Allegations on Ghee Tenders
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and Heritage Foods have strongly rebutted allegations made by YSRCP leader Botsa Satyanarayana regarding irregularities in ghee procurement for the sacred Srivari Laddu. The controversy erupted after the opposition leader claimed contracts were awarded to Indapur Dairy—allegedly linked to Heritage Foods—at inflated prices. In response, Heritage Foods has issued a legal notice to Botsa Satyanarayana, demanding an unconditional apology.
TTD Chairman BR Naidu dismissed the claims of favoritism, asserting that the procurement process remains highly transparent. He clarified that for the 2024-25 period, tenders for 65 lakh kilograms of ghee were conducted in seven phases. Contrary to the allegations, the Karnataka Milk Federation’s ‘Nandini’ brand secured the majority of the contracts, supplying approximately 62% (40 lakh kg) of the requirement. Indapur Dairy qualified for only two tenders, supplying a limited 10 lakh kg.
BR Naidu highlighted recent reforms introduced to enhance quality following devotee feedback, such as reducing the sourcing radius from 1,500 km to 800 km and implementing GPS locking and MRL scoreboards for tankers. Addressing the cost factor, TTD explained that procurement prices were determined based on National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) guidelines, reflecting the rise in milk prices to Rs 42.
Simultaneously, Heritage Foods clarified that it has no ownership ties with Indapur Dairy regarding TTD supplies, stating their business relationship is limited to contract manufacturing for products like cheese and paneer. The company warned of civil and criminal action if the "baseless and damaging" accusations continue.
TTD Chairman BR Naidu dismissed the claims of favoritism, asserting that the procurement process remains highly transparent. He clarified that for the 2024-25 period, tenders for 65 lakh kilograms of ghee were conducted in seven phases. Contrary to the allegations, the Karnataka Milk Federation’s ‘Nandini’ brand secured the majority of the contracts, supplying approximately 62% (40 lakh kg) of the requirement. Indapur Dairy qualified for only two tenders, supplying a limited 10 lakh kg.
BR Naidu highlighted recent reforms introduced to enhance quality following devotee feedback, such as reducing the sourcing radius from 1,500 km to 800 km and implementing GPS locking and MRL scoreboards for tankers. Addressing the cost factor, TTD explained that procurement prices were determined based on National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) guidelines, reflecting the rise in milk prices to Rs 42.
Simultaneously, Heritage Foods clarified that it has no ownership ties with Indapur Dairy regarding TTD supplies, stating their business relationship is limited to contract manufacturing for products like cheese and paneer. The company warned of civil and criminal action if the "baseless and damaging" accusations continue.