Highlights
- Tirupati Laddu controversy revolves around the alleged use of animal fat in Prasadam ghee.
- Chandrababu Naidu accuses YSRCP of corruption and disrespecting religious values.
- YSRCP denies allegations and seeks a High Court investigation into the matter.
- AR Dairy Foods was blacklisted for supplying adulterated ghee to Tirupati temple.
- Political leaders and religious figures express outrage over the lab report.
The Tirupati Laddu controversy has created waves in Andhra Pradesh politics, following accusations that animal fat, including beef, pork, and fish oil, was used in the ghee for making the famous Tirupati temple’s Prasadam.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Chandrababu Naidu has claimed that during the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government’s tenure, poor-quality ingredients were mixed in the Prasad.
The controversy escalated after a Gujarat lab report allegedly confirmed adulteration in the sacred offering, causing a massive public outcry.
What Sparked the Tirupati Laddu Controversy?
According to TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, samples of ghee were sent for testing to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) lab in Gujarat in July.
The lab report, released on July 17, indicated that animal fat and fish oil were present in the ghee used for making the Prasad.
However, the authenticity of the report has been questioned, as it doesn’t specify the source of the tested sample or the name of the institution that conducted the tests.
Despite the lack of official confirmation, TDP has raised the issue, with Naidu calling it an insult to Sanatan Dharma and promising stern action against those responsible.
Political Reactions to the Laddu Row
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu attacked on the YSR Congress Party, accusing them of corrupt practices during their rule. He expressed concern over the purity of the Prasadam and vowed to punish the culprits.
His son and IT Minister, Nara Lokesh, echoed these sentiments, stating that the YSRCP had tarnished the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam (TTD)’s reputation.
In contrast, the YSR Congress and TTD board members, led by YV Subbareddy, have strongly denied the allegations, asserting that the ingredients used in the Prasadam are pure and organic.
They claim that Naidu is manipulating religious sentiments for political gains.
Meanwhile, the YSR Congress has approached the High Court for a thorough investigation into the matter. The court is set to hear the case on September 25.
Role of Ghee Suppliers in the Controversy
The controversy also highlights a change in ghee suppliers. For decades, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) had supplied ghee to the Tirupati temple.
However, in 2023, the YSR Congress government contracted five new firms to provide ghee. One of these, AR Dairy Foods, was accused of supplying adulterated ghee.
After the lab report, AR Dairy Foods was blacklisted, and the temple resumed purchasing ghee from KMF, albeit at a higher price.
The Tirupati Laddu controversy has turned into a high-voltage political drama, with both parties blaming each other for compromising religious values and the sanctity of the Tirupati temple,
