The Tirupati Laddoo controversy has taken a new turn, with the Ministry of Health stepping in, asking for a detailed report from the concerned authorities as the row escalates. The issue stems from allegations regarding the quality of ghee used in preparing the famous laddoos, which are distributed as prasadam at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) temple. Concerns have been raised about the use of substandard or duplicate ghee, sparking public outcry and demands for stricter measures.
For decades, Nandini ghee, produced by the Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (KMF), was used to prepare the laddoos. However, in recent years, the temple administration has shifted to other suppliers, including Aavin from Tamil Nadu, which won a contract in 2019. This shift sparked controversy, with some accusing the government of using political influence in favor of non-local suppliers.
The debate intensified when questions were raised about the quality of ghee currently being used in laddoo preparation. Allegations have surfaced that duplicate or lower-quality ghee has been supplied to the temple, leading to concerns about the authenticity of the laddoos. The TTD has assured the public that the procurement process is transparent, with tenders issued twice a year, and quality checks conducted regularly to maintain the sanctity of the laddoos, which hold a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
In response to public pressure, the Health Ministry has now called for a comprehensive report on the ghee procurement process. The government has vowed to take action if any discrepancies are found. Meanwhile, political leaders, including actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, have voiced their concerns, calling for stringent measures against suppliers of substandard ghee.
The TTD produces around 150,000 laddoos daily, using approximately 300-500 liters of ghee, and the ongoing controversy has put a spotlight on the importance of maintaining the quality and sanctity of this revered offering. As the row escalates, the temple administration and government are under pressure to ensure that the issue is resolved transparently, and any misuse or supply of inferior ingredients is addressed promptly.
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