BJP accuses ex-TTD chief of spreading misinformation; CPI calls for calm, TTD releases annual cow death figures amid ongoing controversy
Tirupati, April 19:
A political storm continues to brew over the alleged deaths of cows at the Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshanasala, a dairy farm operated by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). What began as concern over animal welfare has now turned into a political face-off, with allegations, FIRs, and sharp responses from party leaders dominating the headlines.
FIR Filed Against Former TTD Chairman
The SVU Campus Police, under whose jurisdiction the farm falls, filed an FIR on Friday based on a complaint by BJP spokesperson and TTD Trust Board member G. Bhanuprakash Reddy. The complaint, which was also submitted to Tirupati SP V. Harshavardhan Raju, alleges that former TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy deliberately spread misinformation about the cow deaths.
The FIR cites Sections 353(1) and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 74 of the IT Act (2000-2008).
Bhanuprakash Reddy criticized the opposition for attempting to malign the TTD’s reputation with “baseless allegations made with malicious intent.”
Bhumana Responds: “Won’t Be Intimidated”
In a defiant response, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy asserted that he would continue to speak out, undeterred by legal pressure.
“Even if 100 FIRs are filed against me, I won’t be silenced by the NDA government’s misrule. I stand by my claims and am prepared to prove the misdeeds I’ve highlighted,” he said.
CPI Appeals for Restraint, Finds Farm in Satisfactory Condition
Offering a more neutral stance, CPI national secretary K. Narayana visited the dairy farm recently and described the fodder supply and cleanliness as satisfactory. Addressing the media, he criticized both the ruling and opposition parties for politicizing the issue and turning it into street-level theatrics.
“Religious sentiments should not be weaponized for political gain. The protests, arrests, and blame games are deeply unfortunate,” Narayana added.
TTD Releases Cow Mortality Data for FY 2024–25
Amid the escalating tensions, the TTD released official figures on cow deaths at the dairy farm during the 2024–25 financial year:
- April 2024 – 17 deaths
- May – 18
- June – 13
- July – 18
- August – 15
- September – 21
- October – 19
- November – 13
- December – 14
- January 2025 – 18
- February – 13
- March – 12
While the numbers indicate steady animal mortality common in large-scale shelters, the political interpretations remain sharply divided.
As the controversy unfolds, the TTD’s image and the sensitivity of managing religious institutions with transparency remain at the center of Andhra Pradesh’s heated political discourse.