North News
New Delhi, September 20
In a significant development regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the Tirupati temple laddu, Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called for a detailed report on the issue. He assured that the government will further scrutinise the matter and take appropriate action based on the findings.
The Tirupati laddu, made by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, is a staple offering for devotees visiting the famous Tirumala Venkateswara temple. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government had desecrated Tirumala, though he assured that a sanitisation process has begun, the news outlet said.
The iconic Tirupati temple laddus are now available both within the temple premises and at designated counters outside. These laddus typically remain fresh for up to 15 days in their packaging.
According to Tirupati Balaji Travels, the laddus are offered in three sizes: small, medium, and large, weighing 40 grams, 175 grams, and 750 grams, respectively. The small laddus, distributed freely to devotees at the Venkateswara temple, are part of the temple’s sacred offerings. The medium-sized laddus are priced at ₹50 each, while the large ones are available for ₹200 per laddu.
The report, said to be from a Gujarat-based laboratory, has outraged Hindu devotees, as beef and other meats are against their religious beliefs. The controversy has escalated into a political blame game between the TDP and YSRCP, with the TDP accusing the previous YSR government of introducing this practice.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which oversees temple operations, reported that ghee suppliers exploited the absence of in-house adulteration testing facilities. TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao confirmed that laboratory tests had detected animal fat and lard in multiple samples of ghee. “All four sample reports indicated the same results, prompting us to halt further supplies immediately,” Rao explained while addressing a press conference. The TTD has initiated the process to blacklist the contractor involved and will soon impose penalties. Legal proceedings are also set to commence in response to the findings, he added.
