Andhra Pradesh : Amidst the heated controversy surrounding the allegations of “animal fat” being used in the Tirupati temple laddoos, the central government has stepped in, seeking a detailed report from the Andhra Pradesh government. Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, has also called for an in-depth investigation into the allegations, which have raised concerns among a section of devotees of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.
The controversy began when Andhra Pradesh’s former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accused his successor, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, of allowing the use of substandard ingredients, including animal fat, in the preparation of the famous Tirupati laddoos, which are distributed as ‘prasadam’ to devotees. Naidu claimed the presence of “beef tallow,” “lard” (pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee used for the preparation of these laddoos.
Further fueling the controversy, Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) released a lab report from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Anand, Gujarat, which allegedly confirmed the presence of animal fat in the ghee samples sent by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust that manages the temple. Naidu criticized the previous regime, accusing it of purchasing low-quality ghee at cheaper prices, thereby compromising the quality of the laddoos and tarnishing the sanctity of the temple.
In response to these allegations, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed them as baseless and a diversionary tactic by Naidu and his party. Reddy emphasized that such claims are meant to distract the public from other pressing issues and defended his government’s stance on maintaining the quality of the temple’s offerings.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu-based AR Dairy Food Private Limited, the supplier of ghee to the Tirumala temple, has categorically denied the allegations. The company stated that its product samples were regularly tested and cleared by accredited authorities certifying their quality. AR Dairy further clarified that it only supplied ghee to the temple during the months of June and July, accompanied by lab reports verifying its authenticity.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from prominent temple figures, including Ramana Deekshitulu, the former chief priest of the Lord Venkateswara temple. Deekshitulu expressed deep concern over the reports of adulteration and revealed that he had previously raised concerns about the quality of the ingredients to the temple administration, but no action was taken. He has now urged Naidu to address the situation and ensure corrective measures are implemented to protect the sacredness of the temple and its offerings.
As the investigation continues, the issue has not only sparked a political row but also raised questions about the management of one of the most revered temples in India. Devotees and political leaders alike are closely watching how the matter unfolds.
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