TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday launched a scathing attack on the YSRCP, accusing its previous government of compromising the sacredness of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) by procuring cheap, “adulterated” ghee to prepare the famous laddu sweet.
Naidu warned to take action against those responsible for the alleged adulteration of ghee used in the laddu sweet offering at Tirupati’s Tirumala Temple during the YSRCP’s previous government, led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, PTI reported.
He stated that people’s sentiments were hurt due to this “unpardonable mistake” and hinted that he would not spare those who committed it.
At a public meeting in Prakasam district, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of compromising the quality of the sacred Laddu sweet offering at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which runs the popular Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati, by buying inferior quality ghee at cheaper prices.
“Today we have changed the ghee supplier. We started purchasing Nandini brand ghee from Karnataka. People are saying their sentiments were hurt (following allegations of adulterated ghee and presence of animal fat in Tirupati laddus). When the sentiments were hurt, should I spare them (culprits) when unpardonable mistakes were committed,” Naidu asked, asserting people have faith in their respective religions.
Karnataka govt 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 Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department to uphold quality standards in ‘prasada’ preparations.
The circular mandates that only Nandini brand ghee from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) be used in temple activities.
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“It is hereby instructed that at all notified temples that come under the Karnataka State Religious Endowment Department to only use Nandini ghee compulsorily for ‘sevas’ (services), lamps, preparation of all kinds of prasadas, and at ‘Dasoha Bhavans’ (where food is served),” the circular said.
On Friday, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) reported finding ‘lard’ (pig fat) and other impurities in ghee, based on a lab report. TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao confirmed that tests revealed the presence of animal fat and lard in selected samples. As a result, the board is moving to blacklist the contractor responsible for supplying the ‘adulterated’ ghee.
With PTI Inputs