New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday voiced his concern about reports of adulteration in the renowned Tirupati laddu, a sacred offering at the Sri Venkateshwara temple in Andhra Pradesh. In a social media post, Gandhi urged for a comprehensive investigation into the matter, saying that the issue will hurt every devotee and the importance of preserving the sanctity of religious places.
In a post on X, Gandhi said, “The reports about the defilement of the Prasad at Sri Venkateshwara temple in Tirupati are disturbing. Lord Balaji is a revered deity for millions of devotees in India and across the world. This issue will hurt every devotee and needs to be thoroughly looked into.”
Gandhi’s comments came amid the rising nationawide controversy over allegations that animal fat is being used in the preparation of the laddu, a symbolic offering at the hilltop shrine. He called on authorities to take swift action, saying, “Authorities across India have to protect the sanctity of our religious spaces.”
The reports about the defilement of the Prasad at Sri Venkateshwara temple in Tirupati are disturbing.
Lord Balaji is a revered deity for millions of devotees in India and across the world. This issue will hurt every devotee and needs to be thoroughly looked into.
Authorities…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 20, 2024
What is Tirupati Laddu controversy?
A controversy erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu raised concerns about the quality of ingredients in the Tirupati laddus. He said that the previous YSRCP-led administration failed to maintain standards, which lead to the discovery of animal fat in the ghee. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) confirmed the presence of lard and other impurities in lab tests, which prompting them to halt supplies from the implicated contractor and initiate blacklisting.
Leaders weigh in
Union health minister J P Nadda called for a detailed report, while former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed the claims as “diversion politics” to shift focus from public dissatisfaction with Naidu’s governance. AR Dairy, a supplier accused of providing adulterated ghee, defended its product’s quality. He said that it had met all required standards. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said that there is need for a thorough investigation to protect the sentiments of millions of devotees.