Stormy scenes unfold in AP legislative council over Tirumala laddu adulteration row

Vijayawada: High drama unfolded in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council as heated arguments and near-physical confrontations erupted during a discussion on the alleged adulteration of Tirumala laddu ghee.Council Chairman Moshenu Raju allowed a 1-hour debate on the sensitive issue, allotting 30 minutes to the YSR Congress Party, 20 minutes to the Telugu Desam Party, and 10 minutes for the govt's response.MLC Parvatareddy Chandrasekhar Reddy opened the discussion, backing the YSRCP and raising allegations related to ghee adulteration. References to Heritage during his speech drew sharp objections from TDP members. Agriculture minister Atchannaidu strongly denied any link between Heritage and the Tirumala laddu issue, stating that the company decided not to supply ghee to govt institutions. He accused the opposition of diverting the debate with baseless claims and maintained that the govt was prepared for a transparent discussion.The situation escalated when minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy addressed the House. YSRCP MLC Madhav Rao reportedly rushed towards the minister in protest, prompting members from both sides to surge forward. Anam reacted sharply, challenging the member before senior leaders intervened to defuse tensions.Minister Nara Lokesh said the ruling coalition holds deep faith in Lord Venkateswara and criticised former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy over the issue. MLC Panchumarthy Anuradha alleged major tender irregularities under former TTD chairmen Y V Subba Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, calling it not just a scam but an attack on faith.YSRCP members alleged that TDP's allegations of adulterating ghee with animal fat badly hurt the sentiments of devotees.