Tirumala laddu controversy: committee formed to examine the quality of ghee

After the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh alleged that lab reports confirmed the use of animal fat instead of ghee in the preparation of the famous Tirumala laddu, the “Tirumala laddu controversy” gained widespread attention. In response, a four-member committee has been formed to investigate the quality of ghee being sourced by the shrine, aiming to address concerns surrounding the “Tirumala laddu controversy.”

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer J Syamala Rao announced the formation of a four-member committee of dairy experts, including Dr. Surendranath, Dr. Vijay Bhaskar Reddy, Dr. Swarnalatha, and Dr. Mahadevan. The committee is set to deliver its findings within a week.

He added that the committee will also provide recommendations on the terms and conditions to ensure the procurement of high-quality ghee in future tenders.

Rao issued a stern warning to contractors, stating that strict action will be taken against those supplying adulterated or substandard ghee. One company was already found guilty of adulteration, has been served a notice, and is blacklisted from future contracts. Another supplier has also been flagged for providing low-quality ghee.

Difficulties in testing ghee quality

Rao acknowledged the lack of proper equipment to detect adulteration in ghee at present. “Advanced tools are essential to guarantee the purity of the prasad.This will help prevent such issues in the future,” he stated.

Reasons behind the controversy

The controversy began after a report from NDDB CALF, a private lab specialising in testing milk products, revealed that the ghee used in making Tirupati laddu’s contained foreign fats like palm oil, fish oil, beef tallow, and lard (from pig fat). The report was presented by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy.

The lab results have turned into a political dispute. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSR Congress Party government of using animal fats and low-quality ingredients in the Tirupati laddoos, leading to impurities in the prasad.

In response, YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy called Naidu’s claims “false” and an insult to Hindu sentiments. He accused Naidu of playing politics with a religious issue and challenged him to prove the allegations by swearing on the purity of the laddoos, stating that his government closely monitors their quality.

TTD’s response

In response to the controversy, J. Syamala Rao vowed to take firm action against any vendors found supplying low-quality or adulterated ghee, assuring that only the highest quality ghee would be used for the laddu’s moving forward.

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu also emphasised that his government is committed to ensuring the quality of prasad ingredients, so such issues do not arise again.

Tirupati Temple, one of India’s most revered religious sites, attracts millions of devotees yearly. The controversy surrounding the use of animal fats and poor-quality ingredients in the laddu’s has left many worshippers shocked and worried.

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