Tirupati Laddoos Controversy Explained: Who Said What, Where Ghee Supplied From

New Delhi: The laddoos specially offered as 'prasadam' at the Tirupati temple are at the center of a political firestorm in Andhra Pradesh following a lab report from Gujarat that found traces of animal fat in the ghee used to make them. 
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have accused former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of "desecrating" the temple, a significant religious site for Hindus across India.
Naidu claimed that the temple would be "sanitized" and accused Reddy's administration of corruption in the procurement of "adulterated ghee" required for the preparation of around 300,000 laddoos each day, asserting that the integrity of a revered deity has been compromised.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which oversees the temple, has yet to comment but has established a four-member committee to investigate the quality standards for the laddoos. This inquiry comes in response to public complaints about their quality, which prompted the TTD to request the lab analysis.

Tirupati Laddoos Controversy: A Closer Look

The iconic Tirupati laddoos, prepared in the temple kitchen known as 'potu', are made using a rich blend of ingredients. Located in the 'sampangi pradakshinam', the kitchen produces these treats with an impressive monthly requirement of 42,000 kilograms of ghee, 22,500 kilograms of cashew nuts, 15,000 kilograms of raisins, and 6,000 kilograms of cardamom, along with gram flour, sugar, and sugar candy.
However, a recent controversy has emerged regarding the sourcing of ghee. 

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board previously procured ghee from the Karnataka Milk Federation, but that supply ceased four years ago due to pricing disputes. Reports indicate that the Karnataka government, led by the Congress party, raised milk prices by ₹3 per litre, making it challenging for the federation to offer ghee at competitive rates for the TTD.
Their contract was reportedly renewed only after Mr. Naidu's TDP returned to power.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the temple board sought a supplier from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, whose ghee allegedly contained traces of animal fat.
Tirupati laddoos are protected by a 'Geographical Indication' tag, which identifies the product as originating from a specific region. 

This tag serves as an intellectual property right (IPR), ensuring that only authorized users can use the name.

Gujarat Lab Report Reveals Contamination in Tirupati Laddoos

A report from the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) at the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat , released on July 17, has uncovered troubling findings about the ghee used in the renowned Tirupati laddoos during the tenure of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). 

The analysis revealed the presence of animal fats, including traces of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard a semi-solid fat derived from pig tissue.

TDP and Allies Respond to Controversy

Nara Lokesh, Andhra's IT Minister and son of Chandrababu Naidu , accused the YSRCP of serving substandard 'annadanam' (free food) at the temple during their time in power. 

He suggested that the controversy surrounding the use of animal fat was sparked by an anti-corruption investigation into irregularities in purchasing ghee, vegetables, and other ingredients for laddoos and meals.

Additionally, Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena Party, an ally of the TDP, condemned Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and the YSRCP, calling for action against what they termed the "desecration of sanatan dharm" in any form.

BJP Reacts Strongly to Controversy Over Prasadam

The Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ), allied with the TDP and Jana Sena at the national level, is vocally opposing recent events concerning a "holy prasadam." 

Union Minister and National General Secretary Bandi Sanjay condemned the incident as an "unforgivable sin," suggesting a communal angle by alleging that the ghee issue arose due to the inclusion of individuals from other religions on the board.
A BJP MP who served on the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board demanded that a police complaint be filed against former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, claiming his government intentionally hurt the sentiments of Hindu pilgrims. K. Laxman, head of the BJP's OBC unit, has also called for legal action in response to the controversy.

YSR Congress Responds to Allegations

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has strongly countered recent allegations regarding the sanctity of temple offerings. Rajya Sabha MP YV Subba Reddy, who previously chaired the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), described claims that "animal fat was used in consecrated food offered to the deity and in laddoos given to devotees" as "unimaginable." 

He criticised the Chief Minister for making what he termed a "heinous" statement.
Reddy further accused Chandrababu Naidu of undermining the temple's sanctity and harming millions of devotees with such outrageous comments. 

In a post on X, he stated, "It has been proven once again that Chandrababu will do anything for political gain." He also challenged Naidu to join him in taking an oath as a witness in this matter.

Another senior YSRCP leader, Karunakar Reddy, who has served two terms as TTD Chairperson, characterized the TDP government's claims as a politically motivated attack against Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Congress Calls for CBI Inquiry Amid Allegations

The Congress party, which faced a significant defeat in the recent Assembly elections failing to win any of the 159 contested seats has remained largely silent. However, state unit leader YS Sharmila is urging the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to look into the allegations against the party.
"If your claims are devoid of political motives, and if you truly seek the truth, then establish a high-level committee or initiate a CBI inquiry," Sharmila stated on X. 
Sharmila, who is the sister of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, has not shied away from criticism; during her oath of office in January, she called out her brother and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for the lack of development in Andhra Pradesh over their decade-long rule.
The Tirupati temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is believed to be a beacon of hope for humanity during the trials of the Kali Yuga.