Netizens, especially the Hindu are in a state of alarm after Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that, during the last governments rule, instead of ghee, Animal Fat was being used for the preparation of Tirupati Laddu. During a meeting between party members Naidu said “Even Tirumala laddu was made with substandard ingredients…they used animal fat instead of ghee,” he said, reported PTI. He also said unlike the previous, now pure ghee is being used for making Laddus. Let us tell you that previously the state was governed by the YSRCP government led by Jagan Mohan, who has completely denied the allegations made by CM Naidu.
The Tirupati temple is a major pilgrim that receives devotees from over the globe. Crores of people travel here to show their faith in the Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu. So clearly, it’s a very sacred place which is why the statement about using animal fat in laddu takes a serious turn. Meanwhile, where some Political figures have taken a jab at the CM for the misinformation, some others are applauding him for bringing the issue to the limelight.
Call for a strict investigation
On one hand, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh criticized the YSRCP government on X (formerly Twitter), accusing them of disrespecting the religious sentiments of crores of devotees by using animal fat in the laddu. Whereas, on the other hand, Sharmila was angered by Naidu’s comments, and said that he is damaging the sanctity and prestige of Tirumala and called for an investigation if there was no political agenda behind the allegations.
“We are demanding Chandrababu Gari. If there is no political dimension in your allegations.. if you have no intention of playing politics on sentiment… immediately form a high-level committee, or investigate with CBI. Find out who is the wretch who has committed a great sin and a grievous wrongdoing. The Congress party demands that you adhere to your comments and find out the truth,” she continued.
Was animal fat used in Tirupati Laddu?
The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) who is right now the supplier of dairy products that are used to prepare Laddus, made it clear from their end that they did not supply ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) during the time when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu alleges that animal fat was being used in the making of Tirupati laddu. KMF only recently started distributing Nandhini Ghee to the temple, which is after Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) came to power.
Given the seriousness of the matter, and this being not the first time when questions were raised on the quality of parasadam given to devotees, high number of public figures are stressing the need for a full inquiry into the matter.