The Tirupati Laddu Controversy in 2024 has stirred up a political storm in Andhra Pradesh, with accusations of adulteration in the revered prasadam offered at the Tirumala temple. Allegations that animal fat and other non-vegetarian substances were mixed with the ghee used to make the famous laddus have triggered widespread concern among devotees. The controversy has not only raised questions about the quality of the sacred offering but also sparked a heated political exchange between former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and his rival, current Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Tirupati Laddu Controversy 2024: Allegations and Political Fallout
The Tirupati Laddu Controversy 2024 first came to light after a lab report allegedly found that the ghee used in preparing the laddus was adulterated with substances like vegetable fat, animal fat, and even lard (pig fat). This report quickly circulated, leading to public outrage and political finger-pointing. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by Chandrababu Naidu, claimed that the adulteration took place during the regime of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who served as the Chief Minister before Naidu took office.
Naidu has accused the previous government of “sacrilege,” stating that animal fat was used in the preparation of laddus, a claim that has shaken the faith of many devotees. This accusation has become a key point of political contention, with the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) defending its record and accusing Naidu of playing politics with religious matters.
Jagan Mohan Reddy’s Response
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has responded strongly to the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated. In a public statement addressing the Tirupati Laddu Controversy in 2024, Reddy pointed out that the tender process for selecting ghee suppliers at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has been the same for decades. He emphasized that suppliers are required to meet strict criteria, including obtaining certification from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and submitting a product quality certificate.
“The tender process occurs every six months, and the qualification criteria have not changed for decades. TTD collects samples from the ghee, and only products that pass certification are used,” Jagan said. He further accused Chandrababu Naidu of politicizing the issue to divert attention from his own administration’s shortcomings.
According to Reddy, his government rejected substandard ghee 18 times during his tenure, ensuring that only the highest quality products were used in the preparation of laddus. He defended the integrity of the TTD and its procedures, stating that any issues were promptly addressed, and suppliers who failed to meet standards were blacklisted.
Chandrababu Naidu’s Allegations and Political Reactions
Meanwhile, Chandrababu Naidu has continued to push his allegations, stating that the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy government allowed adulterated ghee to be used in the production of Tirupati laddus. Naidu’s claims have sparked an intense political row, with the TDP circulating the controversial lab report as evidence. This report has been a focal point of the Tirupati Laddu Controversy 2024, with Naidu calling for a thorough investigation and the punishment of those responsible.
Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde also weighed in on the issue, expressing outrage over the possibility of adulteration in the sacred prasadam. “There can’t be a more shameful act than this. Lakhs of people offer their devotion every day, and to make the prasadam impure for profit is unforgivable,” Shinde said.
Government Actions and Investigations
As the Tirupati Laddu Controversy 2024 continues to escalate, Union Health Minister JP Nadda has requested a detailed report from Chandrababu Naidu on the issue. Nadda stated that the matter would be referred to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for investigation. The Union Food Minister, Pralhad Joshi, also called for an inquiry, expressing concern over the potential impact on devotees’ faith. “This is a serious matter, and we need a full investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Joshi said.
In response to the controversy, TTD’s executive officer, Shamala Rao, clarified the current status of ghee supplies. Rao confirmed that adulteration had been found in the ghee samples, with some containing animal fat and vegetable oils. He stated that the TTD has already started blacklisting the suppliers involved and is implementing stricter quality control measures to prevent such issues in the future. An expert committee has been formed to review the situation, and the TTD is also setting up its own lab to test ghee supplies independently.
Conclusion
The Tirupati Laddu Controversy 2024 has not only shaken the faith of devotees but also intensified political rivalries in Andhra Pradesh. With serious allegations of ghee adulteration and claims of political manipulation, the controversy has become a flashpoint in the state’s political landscape. As investigations proceed and the ghee supply chain is scrutinized, both Jagan Mohan Reddy and Chandrababu Naidu continue to trade accusations, further complicating the situation.
Devotees and the public await the outcome of the investigations, hoping that the sanctity of the revered Tirupati laddus will be restored, and the controversy resolved.
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