Controversy Over Tirupati Laddoos: Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and BJP Leader Nalin Kohli Demand Investigation
New Delhi, India – The controversy over the alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddoos has intensified. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu called it a matter of people’s faith and said the allegations have hurt the sentiments of devotees.
Speaking on the issue, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu stated, “This (Tirupati Prasadam issue) is a matter related to the faith, there should be no ifs and buts. I want these things to be false, as it hurts people’s sentiments. We also go there. If the Union Health Minister has said that an inquiry will be done, it must be welcomed.”
BJP leader Nalin Kohli also expressed concern, stating, “This is a very concerning matter. Such allegations would shock any Hindu. Tirupati, a place which has a lot of devotees. Its prasad is famous even abroad…The news of adulteration in its prasad shocks everyone. An investigation must be conducted into this matter, and the truth must come out.”
The controversy began when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddoos during the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy responded by alleging that the Telegu Desam Party (TDP) is politicizing religious matters. He explained that the tender process occurs every six months and that suppliers must provide an NABL certificate and a product quality certificate. He also mentioned that TTD collects samples from the ghee, and only products that pass certification are used.
YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy announced that he would write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, claiming that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has twisted the facts. The YSRCP also moved to the Andhra Pradesh High Court, demanding an investigation into the claims made by the ruling party.
Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh shared a video clip in which Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was seen saying that previously animal fat was used in consecrated sweets instead of ghee at Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. In a post on X, Nara Lokesh expressed his shock at the findings.
Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Tirumala hills at Tirupati in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.
Doubts Revealed
Tirupati Laddoos -: Tirupati Laddoos are special sweets given to devotees at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh. They are very famous and considered sacred.
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a member of the central government in India who is in charge of a specific department or ministry.
Ravneet Singh Bittu -: Ravneet Singh Bittu is a politician in India who is currently serving as a Union Minister.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India.
Nalin Kohli -: Nalin Kohli is a leader and spokesperson of the BJP.
Investigation -: An investigation is a process where people try to find out the truth about something, often by looking at evidence and asking questions.
Devotees -: Devotees are people who are very dedicated to their religion and often visit temples or other places of worship.
Andhra Pradesh -: Andhra Pradesh is a state in the southern part of India.
Chief Minister -: A Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state.
Chandrababu Naidu -: Chandrababu Naidu is a politician who has served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
YSRCP -: YSRCP stands for Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party, a political party in Andhra Pradesh.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy -: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is a politician and the leader of the YSRCP. He has also served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
TDP -: TDP stands for Telugu Desam Party, another major political party in Andhra Pradesh.
Politicizing -: Politicizing means making something a political issue, often to gain an advantage or to criticize others.
Andhra Pradesh High Court -: The Andhra Pradesh High Court is the highest court in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It deals with important legal cases and issues.
