Tirupati Laddu Controversy Deepens As Previous Governing Body Faces Allegations Of Negligence

The Tirupati Laddu controversy has taken a startling turn, with new revelations suggesting that the Srivari Laddu Prasadam offered at the Tirumala Temple had faced scrutiny multiple times during the five-year tenure of the YSR Congress Party government. Sources indicate that the governing body of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), led by former Executive Officer Dharma Reddy, received numerous complaints concerning the laddu’s taste, smell, and spoilage. Despite these warnings, the temple administration and government allegedly ignored the concerns.

Dharma Reddy, a close associate of YSRCP leader and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has been at the center of these accusations. Critics argue that the lack of response to complaints reflects a broader issue of negligence within the temple’s management. This oversight has led to increased scrutiny of the quality of prasadam, a sacred offering deeply cherished by devotees.

The situation escalated further following an investigation by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), which found that the ghee used in the laddu was adulterated with vanaspati, vegetable, and animal fats. This shocking revelation has led to widespread outrage among devotees, who are demanding accountability and severe penalties for those involved in the alleged malpractice.

In an attempt to defend the governing body’s actions, former TTD chairman Y.V. Subbareddy stated that 60 kg of pure desi cow ghee was purchased daily from Rajasthan at a cost of Rs. 1,667 per kilo. However, this claim raises questions, as thousands of kilos of ghee used for the laddu were reportedly procured at a much lower price of Rs. 320 per kilo. Experts in the field have pointed out that producing one kilogram of cow ghee requires 17-18 liters of milk, which costs approximately Rs. 720. The market price for buffalo milk is even higher, casting doubt on the feasibility of sourcing pure ghee at such a low price.

Moreover, it has come to light that the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which had been supplying ghee to TTD for 50 years, was sidelined by the previous governing body due to its higher price quote. KMF’s president, Bhimanayak, had warned that providing pure ghee at the quoted rate was impossible, further intensifying the allegations of corruption and negligence.

In light of the NDDB’s findings, the outcry among devotees continues to grow. Many are calling for a thorough investigation and stringent punishment for those responsible for compromising the quality of the sacred prasadam. As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the pressing need for transparency and accountability within the temple’s management to restore the faith of devotees in one of India’s most revered religious institutions.