New Delhi: Reports of adulteration of cow ghee used by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to make Tirupati Laddu prasadam with animal fat had kicked up a political storm.
The controversy started after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday alleged that animal fat was used to make the sought-after laddus given as 'prasad' by the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati under the previous YSR Congress government.
Citing lab reports, the Andhra government said that, as per the lab reports, the ghee used in the laddoos contained traces of beef tallow, fish oil, and lard.
CM asks for detailed report
Naidu had called for a detailed report on the ghee adulteration from TTD. After TTD submits the report, sources in the Andhra Pradesh government expect Naidu to hold discussions with vedic experts and take stern action against adulteration.
However former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of raking up the Tirupati Laddu issue, what Jagan calls a misinformation drive, to divert attention from his government's failure in 100 days,.
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Jagan said that a robust quality checking system is already in place in TTD since long and during 2019 and 2024; at least 18 times, consignments of ghee were rejected for substandard after the tests.
YS Sharmila to Home Minister
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Congress President and former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy's sister, YS Sharmila has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting him to order an immediate CBI investigation into the matter.
"The sentiments of crores of devotees are at stake, and if proven true, this matter transcends state issues and constitutes a serious act of desecration. Given the gravity of this situation, we request that you order an immediate CBI investigation.
"If the allegations hold true, those responsible must face strict legal consequences, regardless of their political connections or social status. Tirumala is one of the most sacred places in our country, and it is imperative that it remain free from political interference. We demand you to immediately order an inquiry into this critical matter,” said Sharmila.
Plea in Supreme Court
According to media reports, a plea was filed in the Supreme Court seeking a probe into the matter.
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A lawyer has filed a petition in the Top Court alleging that the act violates fundamental Hindu religious customs and deeply hurts the sentiments of countless devotees.
In the plea, the petitioner said the alleged presence of animal fat in the laddu is symptomatic of larger systemic issues in temple administration and has called for the sanctity of Hindu religious practices to be protected.
JP Nadda seeks report
In the meantime, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said he had spoken to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and sought a full report on the Tirupati laddu issue. He added that the Centre would examine the matter and take suitable action. (with Agency inputs)
