Row over cow deaths leads to political slugfest in Tirupati

By Admin

18 Apr, 2025

TIRUPATI: A growing controversy over the alleged deaths of over 100 cows at the SV Goshala in Tirupati has ignited a major political storm, turning the temple town into a battleground between the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the NDA alliance. What began as a concern over cattle welfare has now escalated into a high-voltage face-off between political factions vying to gain ground ahead of the upcoming elections.

Allegations of Negligence by YSRCP

The uproar was triggered when YSRCP leader and former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, supported by party MP Dr. M Gurumurthy and other party loyalists, publicly accused the TTD administration of grave negligence. They alleged that over 100 cows had died within a span of just three months at the TTD-operated SV Goshala.

In a dramatic turn of events, Reddy attempted to lead a protest march to the Goshala to inspect the facility personally. However, the police stopped the group, citing security concerns. Though authorities offered Reddy limited access with his personal staff, he declined, insisting that his full team be allowed entry. This led to a heated confrontation, and YSRCP leaders staged a sit-in near Bhumana’s residence to protest being denied entry.

NDA Responds with On-Ground Inspection

In a swift counter-move, leaders from the NDA alliance, including MLAs Pulivarthi Nani, Arani Srinivasulu, Bojjala Sudheer Reddy, and TTD board member Bhanu Prakash Reddy, visited the SV Goshala without facing any obstruction. Their visit was aimed at independently assessing the conditions and countering the allegations raised by the opposition.

Speaking to the media, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) state president Palla Srinivas Rao dismissed the negligence claims as baseless and politically motivated. He challenged the opposition to present credible proof rather than stirring public emotions with unverified claims.

Caretakers Defend Goshala’s Integrity

Amid the political tug-of-war, a senior cattle caretaker at the SV Dairy Farm provided a more grounded perspective. Comparing the Goshala to Supreme Court-mandated rescue centers for tigers and lions, the caretaker explained that many of the cows brought to the facility were elderly and rescued from dire conditions.

“These cows, like rescued wild animals, are brought here to live out the remainder of their lives peacefully. Their deaths are due to natural aging, not negligence,” he clarified. The caretaker stressed that the high mortality rate merely reflects the natural lifecycle of rescued cattle and not a failure in care or oversight.

Conclusion: A Rescue Center or a Political Battlefield?

As emotions run high and political narratives clash, the real story at the heart of the SV Goshala seems to be getting lost. While both the YSRCP and NDA attempt to gain the upper hand, experts and caretakers remind the public that the Goshala operates as a rescue facility—not a commercial dairy farm. Understanding the context and condition of these animals is crucial before drawing conclusions.