VHP’s Vinod Bansal Calls for Inquiry into Tirupati Laddu Controversy
New Delhi, India – Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal has responded strongly to reports of substandard ingredients, including animal fat, being used in the preparation of Tirupati Laddu Prasadam. He described it as a “grave crime” and an “unforgivable conspiracy” against devotees and their religious sentiments.
Bansal demanded a high-level judicial inquiry into the matter and called for stringent action against those responsible. He emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “This is a grave crime and an unforgivable conspiracy committed in our religious places. There cannot be a bigger crime than this in the world. Devotees with religious sentiments have not only been let down, but their faith has also been tarnished after the prasadam offered to them was found adulterated with beef.”
He further added, “We worship the mother cow, and they used beef in prasadam, even the fat of pigs and fish oil was used. A high-level judicial inquiry must be conducted, and the harshest punishment should be given to those involved so that no one dares to commit such a crime again.”
Bansal also stressed the importance of protecting the sanctity and purity of Hindu pilgrimages, especially the 4 lakh temples under government control.
Earlier, Mahamandaleshwar 1008 Mahant Amar Das Ji Maharaj of Ram Mandir, Dausa, Rajasthan, demanded a CBI inquiry into the alleged use of ‘animal fat’ in Tirupati Laddu Prasadam. He said the incident deeply “hurts” the faith of Hindus and called for severe punishment for those involved.
Spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, also called for the formation of a committee of spiritual leaders to oversee temple matters. In a video message, he urged action against those involved in food adulteration and emphasized the need for strict punishment.
On September 19, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu sparked controversy by claiming that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government. Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy responded by stating that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is “politicising religious matters.”
Doubts Revealed
VHP -: VHP stands for Vishwa Hindu Parishad. It is an organization that works to promote Hindu values and culture.
Vinod Bansal -: Vinod Bansal is a spokesperson for the VHP. A spokesperson is someone who speaks on behalf of an organization.
Tirupati Laddu -: Tirupati Laddu is a special sweet given as a blessing (prasadam) to devotees at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh.
Judicial inquiry -: A judicial inquiry is an investigation conducted by judges to find out the truth about a serious issue.
Substandard ingredients -: Substandard ingredients are materials that are not of good quality and may not be safe to use.
Animal fat -: Animal fat is a type of fat that comes from animals. It is not usually used in making sweets for religious offerings.
Mahant Amar Das Ji Maharaj -: Mahant Amar Das Ji Maharaj is a spiritual leader, which means he guides people in their religious and spiritual practices.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar -: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a well-known spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, which promotes peace and well-being.
Andhra Pradesh -: Andhra Pradesh is a state in the southern part of India.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state, similar to a principal in a school but for the whole state.
N Chandrababu Naidu -: N Chandrababu Naidu is a politician who has served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy -: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is another politician who has also served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
TDP -: TDP stands for Telugu Desam Party, a political party in Andhra Pradesh.
Politicising -: Politicising means making something a political issue, often to gain advantage or support.
