Sat Sep 21 04:52:18 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Laddu Controversy Deepens: Amul Denies Supplying Ghee, Political Finger-Pointing Continues
The controversy surrounding the ingredients used in Tirupati Laddu, the famed prasadam offered at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, has escalated with Amul denying any involvement in supplying ghee to the temple.
Following social media posts alleging Amul ghee was used in the laddu preparation, Amul released a statement on X, clarifying they had never supplied ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). The statement asserted Amul ghee is manufactured from milk in state-of-the-art ISO certified plants and made of high-quality pure milk fat, undergoing rigorous quality checks.
This comes two days after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged the use of substandard ingredients, including animal fat, in the laddu during the previous YSR Congress government. Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy countered these claims, asserting the TDP was politicizing the issue. He explained the tender process occurs every six months, with suppliers needing NABL certification and quality certificates. The TTD samples the ghee, and only those meeting the standards are used.
Reddy further stated that during their rule, 18 batches of products were rejected due to quality concerns.
The central government has taken cognizance of the issue. Union Health Minister JP Nadda spoke to CM Naidu, requesting a full report on the matter. He assured an investigation and appropriate action.
Meanwhile, a picture circulating on social media claimed Manohar Lal Khattar’s nephew, Ramit Khattar, had joined the Congress Party. However, Ramit refuted the claim, stating he remains a BJP supporter and the picture was taken during a meeting with a Congress candidate, which was misrepresented.
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