Tirupati: A brewing controversy over the alleged adulteration of ghee used in Tirupati laddoos has escalated into a heated public exchange between actor-politician Pawan Kalyan and actor Prakash Raj. The issue, which started as a local concern, has now taken on national significance due to the statements made by both prominent figures.Pawan Kalyan lays blame on YSRCPPawan Kalyan, known for his political activism, raised concerns about the quality of the famous Tirupati laddoos, which are distributed as prasad at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple. He alleged that animal fats, including fish oil, pork fat, and beef fat, were being used in the ghee for the laddoos, sparking outrage among devotees. Kalyan questioned the previous TTD Board, which was appointed under the rule of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), demanding accountability for the lapse.In a social media post, Kalyan suggested the formation of a nationwide body to safeguard temple sanctity. Maybe the time has come to constitute a Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board at a national level to look into all the issues related to temples in Bharath, he wrote. A debate has to happen at a national level by all the policymakers, religious heads, judiciary, citizens, media, and all others in their respective domains. We should unite to end the desecration of Sanatana Dharma in any form.Inflating a regional issue into national controversy, says RajPrakash Raj, a vocal critic of communal politics, was quick to react to Kalyans statements, accusing him of inflating a regional issue into a national controversy. Raj urged Kalyan to focus on resolving the issue locally instead of creating a nationwide uproar.Dear Pawan Kalyan, this has happened in a state where you are a Deputy Chief Minister. Please investigate, find the culprits, and take stringent action. Why are you spreading apprehensions and blowing up the issue nationally We have enough communal tensions in the country, Prakash Raj posted in response, questioning Kalyans motives for bringing the issue to a national platform.Dear @PawanKalyan …It has happened in a state where you are a DCM .. Please Investigate ..Find out the Culprits and take stringent action. Why are you spreading apprehensions and blowing up the issue Nationally … We have enough Communal tensions in the Country. (Thanks to your… https://t.co/SasAjeQV4l— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) September 20, 2024TTD confirms animal fat in laddoosThe controversy reached new heights on Friday when the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) confirmed through lab reports that the ghee used in the laddoos was indeed adulterated with animal fat. The report revealed the presence of lard (pig fat), causing an uproar among devotees and religious leaders. The TTD has blacklisted the supplier responsible for the adulterated ghee and initiated legal proceedings to hold those accountable.It is a political brawl tooAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu seized the moment to criticize the former YSRCP-led TTD board, accusing them of compromising the sanctity of the laddoos by allowing adulterated ghee to be used. In response, Naidus government has replaced the previous supplier with Karnatakas Nandini brand, promising to restore the purity of the prasad.Conversely, YSRCP president Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed the allegations, calling them diversion politics intended to distract from the Naidu governments struggles in its first 100 days in power. Reddy accused Naidu of fabricating the controversy to divert attention from the governments shortcomings.Central govt jumps in The controversy has even drawn the attention of the central government. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has requested a detailed report on the issue from the Andhra Pradesh government, while Food Minister Pralhad Joshi has called for a thorough investigation into the allegations of adulteration.As the row between Kalyan and Raj intensifies, the controversy over Tirupatis sacred laddoos continues to stir emotions across the country, drawing in both political and religious sentiments.
