Sat Sep 21 05:52:13 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Laddu Controversy: TTD Assures Devotees of Purity After Substandard Ghee Found
**Tirupati, September 21, 2024:** The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the renowned Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala, has assured devotees that the sanctity of the famous ‘laddu prasadam’ has been restored following concerns over the quality of ghee used.
The TTD revealed that lab tests had identified the presence of substandard ghee and lard (pig fat) in samples, confirming claims initially made by Andhra Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu two days prior. The temple body has since blacklisted the contractor who supplied the adulterated ghee.
The controversy sparked accusations against the previous YSRCP regime, with former CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissing it as diversionary politics. The Centre has requested a report from the Andhra Pradesh government and promised appropriate action after its review. Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi has called for an investigation into the allegations.
In a social media post on Friday, the TTD stated, “The divinity and purity of Srivari laddu is unblemished now. TTD is committed to protecting the holiness of Laddu Prasadam to the satisfaction of all the devotees.”
The incident has raised concerns about the quality control measures in place at the temple, with devotees seeking reassurance about the purity of the prasadam. The TTD’s swift action and assurance of restored sanctity are intended to quell these concerns.
First Piper 