Sat Sep 21 07:22:28 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Laddu Controversy Escalates into Political Row

**Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh:** The controversy surrounding the use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus has taken a dramatic turn, spiraling into a major political slugfest. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the famed Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, has backed Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s allegations of adulteration, while the opposition YSRCP, led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, vehemently denies the claims.

The controversy erupted after the TTD revealed laboratory tests confirming the presence of animal fat, specifically lard (pig fat), and other impurities in the ghee used for the laddus. The TTD has initiated action against the supplier, stating that they took advantage of the temple’s lack of in-house testing facilities.

The TDP has circulated a lab report allegedly confirming the presence of beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in ghee samples procured during the previous YSRCP government’s tenure. The report, dated July 16th, 2024, has further fueled the controversy.

CM Naidu has accused the previous regime of procuring inferior quality ghee at cheaper prices, compromising the quality of laddus and hurting the sentiments of devotees. The TDP has shifted to sourcing Nandini brand ghee from Karnataka to ensure the quality of the sacred prasadam.

However, the YSRCP has dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated diversion tactic to deflect attention from the government’s performance. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has termed the claims a “concocted story” and plans to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Justice of India expressing his concern over the alleged undermining of the Tirumala deity.

The supplier, AR Dairy Food Private Limited, has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that their ghee was duly certified by authorities. Amul, a dairy cooperative often mentioned in social media posts related to the controversy, has also issued a clarification, stating that it has never supplied ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.

Adding to the situation, the Karnataka government has announced that all prasadam offered at major temples in the state will be tested and only Nandini ghee will be used for prasadam preparation.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate, with former chief priest Ramana Deekshitulu expressing concern over the quality of ingredients used for the laddus.

The TTD has assured devotees that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure the quality of laddus and maintain the sanctity of the temple. However, with both the ruling and opposition parties engaged in a heated war of words, the political fallout of this controversy is likely to continue.

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