Here are the facts behind Tirupati Laddoo adulteration.Tirupati Laddu Controversy: Did Adulterated Ghee Reach the Temple?
Andhra Pradesh is engulfed in a controversy over the alleged use of adulterated ghee in Tirupati laddus, with the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) accusing the previous YSRCP government of using animal fat instead of pure ghee. However, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust that manages the temple, has denied that the contaminated ghee was ever used in the preparation of the venerated prasadam.
The controversy erupted after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the laddus offered to Lord Venkateshwara were made with inferior ingredients during the YSRCP regime, specifically citing the use of animal fat in place of pure ghee. Naidu claimed this discovery hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees and vowed to punish the culprits.
However, TTD's Executive Officer, Syamala Rao, who took charge after the TDP-led alliance formed the government in June, clarified that the ghee in question was supplied in July, and samples tested by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) were found to be adulterated with animal and vegetable fats.
"That ghee was never used, 100 percent," Syamala Rao asserted, explaining that the four tankers of contaminated ghee were kept aside and sent back to the supplier, AR Dairy, after the NDDB report. He also emphasized that this was the first time in TTD's history that ghee samples were sent to external labs for testing.
The YSRCP, however, has questioned Naidu's claims, accusing him of trying to create a controversy from a rejected stock of ghee. Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy pointed out that the adulterated ghee was supplied and tested while Naidu was in power.
I.Y.R. Krishna Rao, a former Chief Secretary during Naidu's previous term, echoed this sentiment, stating that Naidu's allegations were unfounded unless the government or TTD had further evidence.
"Unless the government or the TTD have some other solid evidence to support the astonishing charges on YSRCP… If not, the issue might even boomerang on Naidu and TDP," Krishna warned.
The controversy has also brought into focus the selection process for ghee suppliers and potential lapses in procurement practices.
Krishna Rao questioned why AR Dairy was selected as the supplier and how the adulteration occurred. He raised concerns about potential favoritism or corruption in the procurement process.
BJP and TDP leaders have alleged that AR Dairy was favored by the YSRCP government over Karnataka Milk Federation Nandini, the previous supplier, for potential commissions.
However, TTD officials clarified that AR Dairy was chosen based on its bid, offering the lowest price of Rs 320 per kg, compared to Rs 500 and above for quality cow ghee in the open market. The tender process was initiated under the YSRCP government, with the order placed in May.
The controversy has escalated into a political battle, with both sides accusing each other of foul play and seeking investigations.
The Union Health Ministry has sought a report from the Andhra Pradesh government, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India will examine the matter.
Jagan's uncle, Y.V. Subba Reddy, filed a public interest litigation in the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking a judicial probe into Naidu's allegations.
The Congress Party, meanwhile, demanded a CBI investigation, while the BJP alleged a plot to undermine the temple's significance.