Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the ghee procurement for Tirupati laddu. Additionally, he ordered an audit of procurement process of raw materials for all temples in the state.
Addressing a press conference, Naidu said, "During the last 5 years, many not sacred things were done in Tirumala. Many times, even devotees protested against it. The laddu prasad and the food given at Tirumala are made with pure materials and have a very special taste."
The controversy
Earlier, TDP supemo N Chandrababu Naidu had alleged the previous YSRCP government had used substandard ingredients and animal fat in making Tirupati laddu, a consecrated sweet.
The ruling Telugu Desam Party claimed that the adulteration has been confirmed by a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams ( TTD), which manages the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, on Friday asserted there was presence of 'Lard' (pig fat) and other impurities in the ghee, citing a lab report.
TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao said lab tests had revealed the presence of animal fat and lard in chosen samples and the board was in the process of blacklisting the contractor who supplied 'adulterated' ghee.
A lab value indicated the sample was adulterated with lard also, Rao said while addressing a press conference in Tirupati.
Meanwhile, the executive officer said that ghee suppliers took advantage of the lack of testing facilities within the temple body, reported PTI. He also said that suppliers have been warned of being blacklisted over the matter.
Addressing a press conference, Naidu said, "During the last 5 years, many not sacred things were done in Tirumala. Many times, even devotees protested against it. The laddu prasad and the food given at Tirumala are made with pure materials and have a very special taste."
The controversy
Earlier, TDP supemo N Chandrababu Naidu had alleged the previous YSRCP government had used substandard ingredients and animal fat in making Tirupati laddu, a consecrated sweet.
The ruling Telugu Desam Party claimed that the adulteration has been confirmed by a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams ( TTD), which manages the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, on Friday asserted there was presence of 'Lard' (pig fat) and other impurities in the ghee, citing a lab report.
TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao said lab tests had revealed the presence of animal fat and lard in chosen samples and the board was in the process of blacklisting the contractor who supplied 'adulterated' ghee.
A lab value indicated the sample was adulterated with lard also, Rao said while addressing a press conference in Tirupati.
Meanwhile, the executive officer said that ghee suppliers took advantage of the lack of testing facilities within the temple body, reported PTI. He also said that suppliers have been warned of being blacklisted over the matter.
