
Tue Feb 24 03:40:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Andhra Pradesh Assembly to Debate Adulterated Ghee Scandal at Tirumala Temple; Government Considers New Law
The Story:
The Andhra Pradesh Assembly is set to hold a four-hour debate on allegations of adulterated ghee being supplied to the Tirumala temple between 2019 and 2024, during the YSRCP’s governance. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has prioritized this issue, with the debate scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2026. The government is also exploring the possibility of enacting a new law to safeguard the administration of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), drawing inspiration from the legislation governing the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Key Points:
- The Andhra Pradesh Assembly will debate the alleged supply of adulterated ghee to the Tirumala temple between 2019 and 2024.
- The debate is scheduled for February 25, 2026, and will last four hours.
- Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is driving the discussion.
- The government is considering new legislation to protect the sanctity of the TTD administration.
- The proposed law is modeled after the law governing the Golden Temple in Amritsar, enabling criminal action against those violating temple regulations.
- Non-Hindus will be required to submit a declaration before having darshan.
- The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council will also discuss the issue on February 26, 2026.
- YSRCP leader Botcha Satyanarayana has accused the government of inconsistency in its statements.
Key Takeaways:
- The adulterated ghee scandal at the Tirumala temple is a significant political issue in Andhra Pradesh.
- The N. Chandrababu Naidu government is taking a proactive approach to address the controversy and strengthen the TTD’s governance.
- The proposed legislation signals a commitment to preserving the sanctity of the Tirumala temple and its administration.
- The move to require declarations from non-Hindus before darshan could be a contentious issue.
- The opposition YSRCP is critical of the government’s handling of the situation.