Union minister Pralhad Joshi vows to take Tirupati Laddu desecration case to logical end
Tirupati Laddu controversy: Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi has assured that the Centre is treating the desecration allegations of the revered Tirupati Laddu with utmost seriousness and will take the investigation to its logical conclusion.
The controversy began after the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) stopped using Nandini Ghee from the Karnataka Milk Federation, which had been traditionally used for preparing the famous Laddu. Joshi revealed that concerns about adulteration surfaced once TTD started procuring ghee from other suppliers. The allegations have intensified following the release of a lab report by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
"We are aware of these serious claims of adulteration in the Tirupati Laddu. The Andhra Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Naidu, stopped using Nandini Ghee, and soon after, these issues began to arise," Joshi said in Hubballi. He further added, "Chandrababu Naidu is a respected leader and administrator. If he has presented the lab report, it holds weight, and a thorough investigation will follow. We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable."
Joshi also highlighted the importance of maintaining the sanctity of Prasad in temples, urging Karnataka's temple authorities to regularly test the food offerings served to devotees.
In a separate development, former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, K S Eshwarappa, alleged that foreign Christian missionaries may have played a role in the desecration of the Laddu during the tenure of Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy as Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister. Eshwarappa claimed, "This conspiracy against Hindus occurred during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration, who is a converted Christian."
- With inputs from agencies
