Health ministry demands detailed report amid escalating Tirupati laddoo controversy

PTC News Desk: The Union Health Minister, JP Nadda, engaged in discussions with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the iconic Tirupati laddoos. Allegations have emerged suggesting the use of animal fat and other substandard ingredients in these revered sweets, which has prompted a call for a detailed investigation.

Nadda addressed the media, stating that he has requested a comprehensive report from Chief Minister Naidu on the matter. He emphasised that the report will undergo thorough examination by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and appropriate actions will be determined based on their findings.

“The issue has garnered significant attention, and I have communicated with Chief Minister Naidu to obtain a detailed report. Once we receive it, FSSAI will analyze the contents rigorously, and subsequent actions will be taken,” Nadda explained.

In the political arena, both Naidu and his deputy, Jana Sena Party leader Pawan Kalyan, have vehemently criticised the YSR Congress Party, accusing Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy of disrespecting the temple and ‘sanatan dharm.’

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), allied with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena at the national level, has intensified its condemnation. Union Minister and National General Secretary Sanjay Bandi labeled the incident an “unforgivable sin,” insinuating that the adulteration of ghee was a result of having “individuals from other religions” involved in the temple board.

Bhanu Prakash Reddy, a BJP MP and former board member of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam— the trust responsible for managing the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple— voiced his outrage, demanding that a police complaint be filed against the previous Chief Minister.

In response to the barrage of allegations, the YSR Congress Party has pushed back strongly. Rajya Sabha MP YV Subba Reddy, who previously chaired the Tirumala temple board, found the claims of animal fat being used in the consecrated food offered to the deity and the laddoos provided to devotees to be “unimaginable.” He condemned Naidu’s statements as “heinous” and accused him of undermining the sanctity of the temple, which has impacted millions of devotees.

The situation continues to develop as both sides exchange heated accusations in a matter that resonates deeply with the faith and sentiments of the community.

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