The ongoing Srivari Laddu scam at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has added to the troubles of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Already facing multiple money laundering allegations, this scandal—resulting in the arrest of four TTD officials—could further erode his political standing, especially given its impact on millions of Hindu devotees.
Jagan Mohan Reddy, a Christian by birth, has often faced criticism for his administration’s handling of Hindu religious institutions. His tenure saw controversial appointments of non-Hindu officials to key positions within the TTD, which manages the world-renowned Tirumala temple. These included Y. V. Subba Reddy and Bhuma Karunakar Reddy, both of whom were suspected of following non-Hindu faiths despite holding significant roles in the temple administration.
Further controversy arose when allegations surfaced about Christian evangelism within the TTD’s jurisdiction. Reports claimed that promotional materials for Christian practices appeared on TTD bus tickets, and some temples under the trust’s control allegedly witnessed proselytization efforts. Though these allegations were denied and largely ignored by mainstream media, they contributed to a growing perception that Jagan Reddy’s administration was not committed to protecting Hindu traditions.
The latest scandal involving the adulteration of Srivari Laddus—a revered prasadam of the Tirumala temple—has only intensified scrutiny of Jagan Reddy’s governance. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested four individuals linked to the scam: Rajasekharan (Managing Director of AR Dairy), Vipin Jain and Pinole Jain (Directors of Bhole Baba Organic Dairy), and Apoorva Chawda (CEO of Sri Vaishnavi Dairy Private Limited).
Investigations revealed that Bhole Baba Organic Dairy blacklisted in 2022 for substandard manufacturing, continued to supply adulterated ghee by using Vaishnavi Dairy and AR Dairy as proxies. These firms allegedly forged food safety certifications to secure contracts fraudulently, despite being obligated to provide Agmark-certified ghee.
The issue gained traction on September 25, 2024, when a complaint alleged that adulterated ghee was used in the preparation of Tirumala laddus. The Supreme Court intervened the following month, directing a detailed probe. A five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), including representatives from the CBI, the Andhra Pradesh government, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), was constituted to investigate the matter.
With the scandal now under national scrutiny, the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition is likely to leverage it against Jagan Reddy. The arrests have fuelled speculation about his potential involvement, as the scam unfolded during his tenure as Chief Minister. Although the TTD operates as an autonomous body, political influence over its administration cannot be ruled out.
Furthermore, Jagan Reddy’s past decisions, perceived as favouring his faith over the Hindu majority, may now come under renewed examination. The controversy provides the TDP with an opportunity to consolidate its position among Hindu voters, potentially weakening the YSRCP’s electoral prospects.
As investigations unfold, the Srivari Laddu scam could prove to be a turning point in Andhra Pradesh politics. Whether it leads to direct consequences for Jagan Reddy remains to be seen, but it has already dealt a significant blow to his credibility and his party’s future prospects.
