The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on 3 August demanded a formal inquiry into the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD)'s decision to relax bidding eligibility criteria for the supply of medicines and medical equipment to its hospitals, alleging the move opens the door to corruption and compromises patient safety. The demand was raised in Tirupati, with the party pointing directly at the TTD Governing Board and, by extension, the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) administration.

What Norms Were Changed

According to former TTD Chairman and YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, the Governing Board reduced the minimum annual turnover requirement for bidding companies from ₹100 crore to ₹25 crore for the supply of medicines and medical equipment to TTD-run hospitals. In certain categories, the bar was reportedly brought down further to ₹15 crore. Reddy alleged that a Board member representing a reputed pharmaceutical company had raised objections, which were overruled.

YSRCP's Allegations Against Nara Lokesh

Reddy alleged the relaxation was carried out on the instructions of Minister Nara Lokesh, whom the party also holds the Education portfolio. He claimed the diluted norms were designed to facilitate kickbacks rather than broaden genuine market participation. Notably, the decision was reportedly based on recommendations from an anonymous committee headed by an individual identified only as Jagadish, whose role in the process, Reddy said, has raised serious questions. He argued that even life-saving drugs and high-value medical equipment would now be procured under these weakened standards — a benchmark, he added, that premier institutions such as AIIMS do not follow.

Broader Allegations of Political Targeting

YSRCP SC Cell State President and former MLA T.J.R. Sudhakar Babu widened the party's attack, alleging that the Chandrababu Naidu administration was using fabricated cases and diversionary politics to shield Nara Lokesh from scrutiny over alleged irregularities in DSC-2025. He alleged that Alur MLA Virupakshi, an elected representative from the weaker sections, was arrested in a midnight police raid after he went to the aid of a YSRCP worker allegedly attacked by TDP cadres.

Sudhakar Babu cited a viral video purportedly showing a TDP worker named Nagaraju tearing his wife's nightdress in the presence of police, allegedly to frame the MLA. He demanded an explanation for the removal of CCTV hard disks from Virupakshi's residence and called for an immediate judicial inquiry into the raid.

Other Grievances Raised

The YSRCP leader also cited a series of other alleged incidents, including the death of Mala Gangamma following what he described as torture, the burial of her body under police guard without a post-mortem, a kidnapping case filed against former MLA Mustafa for reportedly seeking repayment of money owed to him, and the refusal to register an FIR on a complaint against Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishnam Raju. Sudhakar Babu alleged the government was systematically targeting BC, SC and minority leaders across Uttarandhra, Rayalaseema, and central Andhra.

What Happens Next

The TTD administration and the state government are yet to formally respond to the YSRCP's demands for a probe. With the opposition pressing on multiple fronts — from procurement norms to alleged police excesses — the political temperature in Andhra Pradesh is set to remain elevated in the days ahead.