Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu. | Photo credit: File Photo
The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council on Friday witnessed another turbulent day as heated exchanges continued over the alleged supply of adulterated ghee to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for the preparation of laddu prasadam, forcing an adjournment without the scheduled business taking place.
Referring to Thursday’s incidents, Chairman Koyye Moshenu Raju expressed regret that members tried to continue the question hour even after he declared it closed.
Calling Finance Minister Payyavul Keshav’s allegations against him as “far from the truth”, he clarified that handing over the note for short-term discussion does not mean agreeing with the ministerial statement.
Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu countered that the government held the Speaker in the “utmost respect” and did not make baseless remarks. He said the government had decided to discuss the Tirumala laddu issue in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) even without a formal notice, alleging that YSRCP members were blocking the debate fearing that facts would emerge. “We are ready to discuss for three days if necessary,” he declared.
View of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council. | Photo credit: File Photo
Later, addressing the media, TDP MLC Alapati Rajendra Prasad expressed concern that the proceedings were not being conducted efficiently and accused the YSRCP of repeatedly moving adjournment motions on the same matter, disrupting the Question Hour. He said ministers, including Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy, were ready to make a statement but were prevented.
BJP MLC Somu Veerraju questioned why the notice sent to 150 members was marked as “not received” by the YSRCP and said the chairman should stay above party lines. MLC Marri Rajasekhar alleged that the dispute was being revived to avoid the debate on irrigation, including issues related to the Chief Regulator of Pothireddypad.
Government Chief Whip Panchumarthi Anuradha cited Rule 306 saying the minister formally sought a declaration on the adulterated ghee but the House adjourned to March 4 without allowing it.
Meanwhile, YSRCP MLCs accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of cooking up the controversy to protect the alleged links between Indapur Dairy and Heritage Foods, demanded an apology from the stalwarts and vowed to stand up to the government during the March 4 debate.
YSRCP MLC T. Kalpalatha alleged that the government has continuously refused to discuss the adjournment notices filed by the opposition to discuss the Heritage Foods issue. Another MLC Varudu Kalyani pointed out that if heritage was not involved, why did the government not join the discussion.
Separately, MLC Vanka Ravindra Nath expressed concern over declining quality of drugs in government hospitals, alleged shortage of key drugs and sought comprehensive reports on standards and supply lapses.
Published – 27 Feb 2026 20:11 IST
