The issue of animal fat in offerings at the Tirupati Balaji temple has attracted widespread attention across the country. Meanwhile, on the orders of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Shanti Homam Panchagavya Prokshan, or Home, will be organized in Tirumala today (Monday) to correct impurities. To purify the temple, this homa is being organized at the Yagyashala (ritual place) of the Bangaru Bavi (golden well) of the Srivari (Shri Venkateswara) temple.
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the government has now set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate. The SIT set up by the government will be supervised by an officer of the rank of Inspector General (IG) or above. The SIT will investigate all reasons including abuse of power. After the investigation is completed, a report will be submitted to the government. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said the government will take strict action to ensure that incidents such as ladoos adulteration do not happen again.
Jagan govt changed rules: Naidu
CM Chandrababu Naidu claimed that as per the rules, ghee suppliers should have at least 3 years of experience. But after Jagan Mohan Reddy came to power, it was shortened to one year. The CM also said that the turnover requirement for suppliers has also been reduced from Rs 250 crore to Rs 150 crore. Naidu questioned how one can buy pure ghee at Rs 319 per kg, when palm oil is also more expensive than this. He said that AR Dairy Foods Private Limited has started supplying ghee from June 12, 2024.
Lab tests show presence of fat
Let us tell you that a few days ago, during the NDA Legislature meeting, the TDP supremo alleged that the previous YSRCP government did not even spare Sri Venkateswara temple and used substandard raw materials and animal fat to make laddus. Two days later, on September 20, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) executive J Shyamala Rao told a press conference that laboratory test samples showed the presence of animal fat. The committee is blacklisting contractors supplying adulterated ghee.
When and where did the Tirupati Ladu controversy occur?
July 2023: KMF has increased the price of Nandini ghee.
July 2023: Nandini confirmed that Tirupati laddus will no longer be made with their ghee as TTD has roped in a new company from Tamil Nadu which provides ghee at cheaper prices, followed by AR Dairy Foods ( Based in Tamil Nadu) will be allowed to make laddus. A contract for the supply of ghee was obtained in which the ghee was supplied at a price of Rs 320 per kg.
June 2024: The TDP government appointed JS Rao as TTD executive officer.
July 2024: NDDB Calf reported ghee samples in which adulterated ingredients including beef fat, fish oil, and lard (animal fat) were found. AR Dairy Food’s contract canceled after adulteration report.
August 2024: Nandini was awarded the contract at Rs 470 per kg.
