AP Congress president Y S Sharmila had written a letter to the Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud seeking probe into the allegations of adulteration of the Tirumala Laddu. She wanted the Supreme Court to take up the matter and conduct an enquiry.
She said that the Tirumala Laddu holds immense religious significance for millions of devotees worldwide. This tradition, which dates back to 300 years, has its origin in the Pallava custom of offering prasadam to devotees. In 2009, the laddu received a Geographical Indication tag, further emphasizing its cultural importance, she said. The preparation of this prasadam adheres to sacred traditions and customs, she said.
Unfortunately, some recent incidents have cast shadow over this cherished offering, she said. On September 18, 2024, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu declared that the ghee used in the preparation of laddu was adulterated with animal fat, she said. This shocking revelation had caused great distress among the devotees, she said.
She further said that the TTD executive officer J Shyamala Rao had also confirmed the use of animal oil in the ghee for the laddus. The chief minister and the executive officers’ comments intensified public concern, she said. The executive officer further said that the ghee procured from the AR Foods contained foreign fats such as soyabean oil, sunflower oil, and potentially lard.
Sharmila said that the previous YSR Congress government had awarded the tender for the supply of ghee at just Rs 320 per kilo, while the market price is at Rs 1000, these low-price questions the quality of the ghee supplied to the temple, she said.
Given these alarming developments, the devotees are urgently seeking an objective investigation, she said. The state government had appointed a special investigation team (SIT) to look into the matter, she said and regretted that the matter of such a significance is given to the local police.
Sharmila wanted the Supreme Court to intervene and restore the faith of millions of devotees of Lord Venkateswara. She wanted the Supreme Court to order CBU enquiry into the entire issue and supervise the investigation.
