A heated political debate ignites over allegations of adulteration in the ghee used to prepare the sacred laddu prasadam at the revered Tirumala temple. While TTD officials confirm the presence of animal fat in samples, leaders from opposing parties clash, accusing each other of using the controversy for political gains.
The revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala has found itself at the center of a controversy after claims that the sacred laddu prasadam was prepared using adulterated ghee containing animal fat. The temple’s managing body, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), supported the allegations made by former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, intensifying political tensions in Andhra Pradesh.
TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao confirmed that laboratory tests revealed the presence of lard (pig fat) and other adulterants in the ghee samples used for the laddu preparation. Rao highlighted the lack of in-house testing facilities and the reliance on external labs for quality control as reasons for the lapse. The suppliers involved have been blacklisted, and legal action is underway.
The controversy erupted when Chandrababu Naidu, during an NDA meeting, accused the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government of allowing substandard ingredients, including animal fat and fish oil, to be used in the sacred prasadam. Naidu’s claims were backed by a lab report from Gujarat’s NDDB CALF lab, which allegedly confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow, and fish oil in the ghee samples.
YSRCP leaders, including former TTD chairmen YV Subba Reddy and B Karunakar Reddy, vehemently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. Subba Reddy even challenged Naidu to swear before the deity to prove his claims. The uproar has triggered demands for a full investigation, with Congress President YS Sharmila writing to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.
As the political blame game continues, many are awaiting further clarification and action from the central government, which has promised to review the findings once all facts are available.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding Tirupati’s sacred laddu prasadam has sparked a political storm, with accusations flying between Andhra Pradesh’s key political players. As investigations proceed, the religious sentiments of millions of devotees hang in the balance.
Also read – Tirupati Laddus Controversy: Allegations of ‘Beef Tallow’ in Sacred Offering
Also Read – Tirupati Laddus Distributed at Ayodhya Temple Amid Controversy Over Alleged Use of Animal Fat
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