Tirupati Temple Ladoo Controversy: Allegations of Animal Fat and Fish Oil in Sacred Offering Reach Supreme Court
Petition Filed in Supreme Court Seeking Action on Alleged Adulteration of Tirupati Temple Ladoo Prasadam
The controversy over alleged adulteration of the sacred Tirupati temple ladoo prasadam has intensified, with claims that animal fat and fish oil have been mixed into the offering. A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by lawyer Satyam Singh, seeking intervention in the matter. The petition claims that the adulteration violates Hindu religious practices and deeply hurts the sentiments of countless devotees who consider the prasadam as a holy blessing.
Petition Cites Violation of Religious Rights
The petition argues that the alleged adulteration infringes upon Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to religious freedom, including the right to follow religious rituals.
It also references several previous Supreme Court judgments that emphasize the importance of protecting essential religious practices. The petition raises questions about the temple administration’s handling of the prasadam and its adherence to religious customs.
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Allegations Sparked by Former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Accusations
The controversy first gained attention when former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous government of allowing animal fat to be mixed into the prasadam.
These accusations have kept the issue in the public eye. The situation escalated after test samples of ghee, sent to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Gujarat, reportedly confirmed the presence of animal fat and fish oil in the ghee used to prepare the prasadam.
Political War of Words Follows Allegations
In response to the findings, former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed Naidu’s accusations, claiming they were politically motivated and aimed at diverting attention from his 100-day rule.
Reddy accused Naidu of using religion for political gain, stating that it was unacceptable to play with the emotions of millions of devotees. Meanwhile, the YSR Congress has demanded the High Court form a committee to investigate Naidu’s claims. The court is scheduled to hear the matter on September 25.
CBI Investigation Demanded by Congress Leader YS Sharmila
In a related development, YS Sharmila, Andhra Pradesh Congress President and Jagan Mohan Reddy’s sister, wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting a CBI investigation into the matter.
Sharmila emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry to uncover the truth behind the adulteration allegations. Central Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has also stepped in, stating that the Andhra Pradesh government has been asked to submit a report on the incident, and appropriate action will follow.
Temple Administration Forms Special Committee to Monitor Ghee Quality
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has formed a four-member special committee to oversee the quality of ghee used in the preparation of the ladoos. It is reported that the lab results were received on July 17, but no official confirmation has been made regarding the findings. The report, which is already circulating in the public domain, does not mention the name of the issuing institution or the origin of the sample tested.
The controversy continues to grow as devotees and political leaders alike await clarity on the issue. The Supreme Court’s decision and the findings of any potential investigations will likely play a crucial role in resolving the matter.
