Bhumana flags ghee shortage, says laddu supplies at risk; TTD says no impact on production

Tirupati: The ghee controversy involving the TTD shows no signs of easing, even as the laddu ghee adulteration row has dragged on for nearly two years. Addressing a press conference in Tirupati on Monday, former TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy expressed concern over the fast-depleting ghee stocks at Tirumala."It is learnt that TTD is left with only 3,500 kg of ghee as of today, while the trust requires at least 15,000–17,000 kg to prepare 3.5 lakh sacred laddus and other Annaprasadams offered to Lord Venkateswara and then distributed among devotees every day," he said.Referring to the overturning of a container truck carrying 21 tonnes of cow ghee from Indapur Dairy near the Chitravathi bridge in Kadapa district on Sunday, Bhumana said such an incident had never happened in TTD's history.He alleged that the accident reflected "Lord Venkateswara's fury" at the ruling establishment for dragging the sacred laddu prasadam into political controversy. He urged the government to stop blaming the YSRCP and instead focus on stabilising ghee supplies at Tirumala.Responding to reports of ghee scarcity, TTD authorities confirmed the Indapur Dairy truck had overturned but said alternate arrangements were in place to avoid any disruption in ghee supply. They maintained that Tirumala had a buffer stock of seven lakh laddus and that two other dairies were continuing supplies. "There is absolutely no need for concern," officials said.