Tirumala Laddu Row: YSRCP MLAs Stage Protest at Assembly Gate

Allegations of adulterated ghee in the sacred Tirumala laddu have ignited a fresh political upheaval in Andhra Pradesh. As the Assembly convened on Friday, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) demanded an urgent debate on the issue, submitting a notice to ensure the government clarifies the matter. Party leaders stressed that the laddu prasadam holds deep religious significance for devotees and called for a transparent explanation in the House.

The dispute quickly spilled outside the Assembly. YSRCP MLAs staged a protest march from the legislature to its main gate, eventually staging a dharna , accusing the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of trying to sidestep the discussion. They insisted that the matter, including the alleged ghee adulteration , be addressed based on forensic reports , warning that their agitation would escalate statewide if ignored. The opposition also accused authorities of attempting to divert public attention from the core issue, citing the reported attack on BJP MLC Somu Veerraju .

Telangana BJP state president N. Ramchander Rao also condemned the incident, describing the use of adulterated ghee as not only corruption but a disrespect to the faith of millions of Hindus . Speaking on February 25, he criticized the previous government for failing to take moral responsibility even after forensic lab findings were made public, demanding strict action against those responsible and a public apology to devotees.

The controversy has triggered legal developments as well. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy’s petition , challenging the state-appointed single-member investigation committee, was dismissed by the Supreme Court on Monday . Swamy argued that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was already probing the case, making another committee redundant and obstructive. The court, however, rejected his plea.

The Tirumala laddu issue continues to resonate both politically and legally, keeping public attention sharply focused. With the matter touching the faith and sentiments of millions , all eyes are now on the government’s next move .