Jagan Mohan Reddy Denounces Andhra Budget as 'Bundle of Lies', Accuses Naidu of Ghee Scam Diversion
In a sharp critique of the state's financial planning, YSRCP president and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has labeled the Andhra Pradesh budget for 2026-27 as "a bundle of lies." He accused current chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu of using the budget to divert public attention from alleged irregularities in the supply of adulterated ghee, which he claims occurred during Naidu's previous administration.
Allegations of Corruption in Ghee Procurement
Addressing the media in Vijayawada on Thursday, Jagan Mohan Reddy asserted that all irregularities in ghee procurement by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) took place under Naidu's tenure. He alleged a nexus between a dairy owned by Naidu's family and Indapur Foods, pointing to specific instances of misconduct.
- Disqualified firms were improperly allowed to participate in tender processes.
- Rejected tankers were accepted despite failing quality standards.
- Contracts were awarded at inflated rates, significantly above market prices.
Jagan detailed that Naidu's family-owned dairy changed its status from a manufacturing unit to a co-manufacturing unit after Indapur Foods' involvement in the scandal came to light. He claimed that a ghee supply contract was awarded at Rs 650 per kg, even though the same firm had previously supplied at rates of Rs 278 and Rs 321 per kg, indicating a substantial markup.
Broader Accusations of Favoritism and Budget Mismanagement
Referring to the Tirupati laddu controversy, Jagan Mohan Reddy argued that the issue stems from alleged corruption in ghee supply during the previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) regime. He stated that documentary evidence supporting these claims is publicly available and accused Naidu of politicizing the matter by "dragging God into politics" to shield the alleged irregularities.
Turning to the budget, Jagan criticized the financial projections, alleging that the figures do not add up. He claimed that growth rates were inflated without corresponding improvements in per capita income or living standards, and that allocations for key welfare schemes were inadequate.
- Beneficiary numbers for pensions and other programs have been steadily reduced.
- Sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and welfare received insufficient support.
- Farmers, students, women, youth, and employees have been cheated by these cuts.
Claims of Financial Obscurity and Broken Promises
Jagan Mohan Reddy further alleged that the government has mismanaged state finances by altering the budget format to obscure actual borrowing figures. He contrasted this with his own administration, which he said implemented manifesto promises, while accusing the current government of failing to honor its commitments. "People across sections are disillusioned," he concluded, emphasizing widespread dissatisfaction with the budget and governance.
