In the Tirupati laddus in temple kitchen, about 1,400 kg of ghee is used every day to make about 3 lakh laddoos.
Hyderabad: A significant political scandal has arisen from the dispute over laddoos provided to worshippers at the renowned Tirupati hill shrine. Animal fat was allegedly used to make laddoos during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s stint as chief minister, according to Telugu Desam Party claims. The YSRCP leader has refuted this accusation. A comprehensive report regarding the accusations has been requested by the center, and an investigation has been asked by the Union food minister.
In the Tirupati temple kitchen, about 1,400 kg of ghee is used every day to make about 3 lakh laddoos. Gram flour, sugar, cardamoms, raisins, and cashew nuts are also utilized in large quantities.
About ₹ 500 crore is spent on the acquisition of components by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the organization that oversees the Sri Venkateswara Swami temple in Tirupati, through an e-auction. In an effort to cut down on human interaction, the tendering process was moved online in 2022.
As proof that food testing has been conducted consistently, the ghee tankers are certified by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Located close to Alipiri in Tirupati, the cargo is kept in two-acre godowns for both its free food program and prasada use.
Around 6,100 tonnes of ghee, 14 tonnes of sugar, 9,200 tonnes of Bengal gram, 4,680 tonnes of sona masoori dal, and additional ingredients including cashews, raisins, cardamom, and sunflower oil are purchased annually.
Participation in the e-auction is restricted to agencies that have registered with the Andhra Pradesh Technical Services. Numerous financial and technical criteria are taken into consideration while awarding the contracts. For these agencies, FSSAI licenses and AGMARK certification are prerequisites.
When an order exceeds ₹ 1 crore, online reverse tendering is also used.
A shipment of ghee from AR Dairy Food Pvt Ltd, situated in Tamil Nadu, was among the items that have drawn attention. On suspicion of adulteration, four of their tankers were stopped. While the shipment was set aside, the samples were submitted for analysis.
AR Dairy claims to have paperwork proving all test reports for the ghee that was given to the temple were cleared, and that their consignments have passed various lab tests. The dairy claimed to have given Tirumala just 0.01% ghee.
Is There Animal Fat in Laddoos?
Tirupati laddus
The ghee samples from Tirupati were found to contain fish oil, bull tallow, and lard, a type of pig fat, according to a study that was flagged by the Naidu administration last week on July 17. It was manufactured using inferior ingredients, even Tirupati laddoo. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister said during a parliamentary meeting, “They used animal fat instead of ghee.”
This year’s state election loser, Mr. Reddy, retaliated against the “false report” by accusing Mr. Naidu of “using faith for politics.”
In support of Mr. Naidu’s assertions is the TTD. The lack of an internal testing facility was exploited by suppliers, according to TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao, and the offending contractor is currently being placed on a blacklist.
Article 25 of the Constitution, which protects the freedom of religion, including the right to practice, is allegedly violated in the (Tirupati laddus) laddoo case, which has also made its way to the Supreme Court.
“Ghee bought at a lower price”Naidu continued to hit Reddy. In a speech to the public in the Prakasam district, Naidu said that the previous government had harmed the holy shrine and affected the quality of laddu by purchasing ghee of lower quality at lower cost.
The supply of ghee was switched today. From Karnataka, we began importing ghee under the Nandini brand. Individuals are reporting damaged feelings. Should I forgive those whose feelings were damaged when they made unforgivable errors? With Naidu, how?