A heated confrontation unfolded in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council after Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav attempted to read a document regarding the Tirumala laddu ghee issue, claiming the Chairman had permitted it. Chairman Koyyale Mohenu Raju objected, leading to adjournment and fresh tensions in the House.

What Triggered the Clash?

The Andhra Pradesh government had agreed to debate the Tirumala laddu ghee controversy in both the Assembly and the Council. While the discussion proceeded smoothly in the Assembly, tensions escalated in the Council.

On Thursday, Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav attempted to read out a document stating that Council Chairman Koyyale Mohenu Raju had agreed to allow a statement on the issue.

However, the Chairman objected, questioning how such a document was brought without prior intimation and how his consent was being cited publicly.

Council Adjourned After Heated Exchange

A brief but intense argument followed between the Chair and the Minister. The disagreement centered on:

Whether formal permission had been granted
Whether internal communications could be cited publicly
Alleged violation of House rules

The situation led to the adjournment of the Council proceedings.

Chairman’s Strong Response

The following day, Chairman Mohenu Raju reiterated his stand. He stated:

It was incorrect to claim he had agreed to the statement based on an internal note.
House procedures were allegedly bypassed.
It was inappropriate to accuse him or misrepresent procedural permissions.

He also criticized attempts to allegedly disrupt structured debate in the Council.

Political Sensitivity of Laddu Ghee Issue

The controversy relates to allegations surrounding the Tirumala laddu ghee matter, which has become a politically sensitive issue in Andhra Pradesh. The ruling coalition and opposition parties have been trading allegations, increasing the intensity of debates in both Houses.

The incident highlights growing friction between the executive and the presiding authority of the Council.

Key Entities

Payyavula Keshav — Finance Minister, Government of Andhra Pradesh
Koyyale Mohenu Raju — Chairman, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council
Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council — Upper House of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature
Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly — Lower House of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature

Final Verdict

The confrontation between Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav and Chairman Koyyale Mohenu Raju underscores rising procedural tensions in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council. As the laddu ghee controversy continues to dominate political discourse, adherence to House rules and institutional decorum is likely to remain under scrutiny.