Amaravati
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee President Y. S. Sharmila has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into claims that animal fat is present in the ghee used to make Tirumala laddus. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, she highlighted serious concerns regarding these allegations, emphasizing the laddus’ religious importance for millions of devotees and their adherence to longstanding traditions.
Sharmila referenced comments made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who suggested that ghee used for the laddu may contain fat from deceased animals and fish oil. This claim, made during a media briefing on September 18, has raised alarm among the public. Sharmila pointed out that complaints about laddu quality have been ongoing for years without any government investigation.
The chief also mentioned a laboratory report from NDDB CALF Ltd, allegedly indicating the presence of beef tallow and other animal fats in ghee samples, although there has been no official confirmation from the state government or the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) board.
Sharmila stressed that the lack of action over the past two months is unacceptable, urging for an immediate CBI probe. She asserted that if the allegations are validated, those responsible must face legal action, emphasizing that Tirumala should remain free from political influence.
Sandeep Dikshit calls Tirupati administration’s negligence a ‘failure’
New Delhi
Congress leader and former MP Sandeep Dikshit condemned the Tirupati temple administration for negligence, labeling it a failure. In a statement, he emphasized the importance of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, noting that the government appoints chairpersons or managing directors to oversee its operations. Following a lab report revealing that the temple’s laddus contained animal fats and fish oil, a controversy erupted, especially after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of the issue.
This news is shocking, Dikshit remarked, highlighting the temple’s significance to millions of Indians. He called for a thorough investigation to determine how the laddus are made and the sources of their ingredients. Addressing Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s comments on enforcing strict actions, he argued that existing laws, like the Food Security Act, should be properly implemented to prevent such problems in the future.
