Fri Sep 20 10:53:00 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Laddu Scandal: Investigation Ordered After Allegations of Animal Fat Use

The Tirupati laddu, a sacred offering at the famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, is at the center of a controversy after allegations surfaced about the use of animal fat in its preparation.

Food Minister Pralhad Joshi has ordered an investigation into the matter, responding to claims made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Naidu alleged that the previous government, led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, used animal fat in the laddu, a claim vehemently denied by the former government.

The controversy erupted after a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory reportedly confirmed the presence of “beef tallow”, “lard” and “fish oil” in ghee samples provided by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple.

The TTD had stopped sourcing Nandini ghee from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) last year due to pricing disputes, opting for a lower bidder. The move, however, raised concerns about the quality of ghee used in the laddu.

Following Naidu’s allegations, the TTD has resumed sourcing ghee from the KMF. The temple priest, Ramana Deekshitulu, also expressed concern about the quality of ghee used in the past, stating that he had raised the issue with authorities years ago but was ignored.

The investigation into the allegations is expected to shed light on the true nature of the ingredients used in the Tirupati laddu and address the concerns of devotees.

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