Tirupati Laddus controversy: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accuses YSRCP of compromising sanctity of laddus by using ‘adulterated’ ghee – News from India

On Friday, TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched a scathing attack on the YSRCP, accusing the previous government of compromising the sanctity of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) by procuring cheap, “adulterated” ghee to prepare the famous sweet laddu.

Naidu threatened to take action against those responsible for the alleged adulteration of the ghee used for the sweet offerings laddu at the Tirumala temple in Tirupati during the previous YSRCP government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, PTI reported.

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He stated that people's feelings had been hurt by this “unforgivable mistake” and indicated that he would not spare those who committed it.

Addressing a public meeting in Prakasam district, TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of compromising the quality of the holy sweet laddu at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams – which runs the popular Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati – by purchasing substandard ghee at cheaper prices.

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“Today we have changed the ghee supplier. We have started buying Nandini brand ghee from Karnataka. People say their sentiments have been hurt (after allegations of adulterated ghee and presence of animal fat in Tirupati laddus). If sentiments have been hurt, should I spare them (the offenders) if unforgivable mistakes have been committed,” Naidu asked, reiterating that people believe in their respective religions.

Karnataka government mandates use of Nandini Ghee in temples

Meanwhile, in the wake of the escalating Tirupati laddu controversy, the Karnataka government on Friday issued a circular directing all temples under the Hindu Religious Establishments and Charitable Endowments Department to maintain quality standards while preparing 'prasada'.

The circular stipulates that only Nandini brand ghee from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) can be used in temple activities.

Read also:Tirupati Laddu controversy: TDP presents lab report alleging presence of beef tallow in holy sweet

“It is hereby directed that in all the notified temples under the Religious Endowments Department of the State of Karnataka, only Nandini ghee shall be used for 'Sevas' (worship), lamps, preparation of all kinds of Prasadas and in 'Dasoha Bhavans' (where food is served),” the circular said.

On Friday, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) reported that “lard” and other contaminants had been found in ghee based on a laboratory report. TTD Managing Director J Shyamala Rao confirmed that tests on selected samples had revealed the presence of animal fat and lard. As a result, the board plans to blacklist the supplier responsible for supplying the “adulterated” ghee.

With PTI inputs