Tirupati Laddu Row: Pawan Kalyan Says Ghee Made Without Milk, Targets Previous Govt

A fresh political controversy has erupted over the preparation of the sacred Tirumala laddu prasadam after Pawan Kalyan informed the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly that the ghee used in its preparation was not made from milk. The Deputy Chief Minister stated that a CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) found that the ghee supplied to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was produced using palm oil and chemical additives.

Addressing lawmakers, Kalyan said the investigation concluded that milk was not used in the ghee supplied for preparing the prasadam offered at the Tirumala temple. While adulterants were identified, investigators could not determine the precise chemical composition or origin of the substances used.

The inquiry reportedly identified 36 accused individuals and suggested the existence of a deliberate conspiracy linked to the supply chain. Authorities are examining procurement practices and tender procedures related to ghee supply contracts between 2020 and 2023.

According to findings presented in the Assembly, eligibility conditions for supply tenders were allegedly modified to favour certain companies. Requirements related to turnover, dairy experience, and production capacity were reportedly relaxed, enabling firms with limited credentials to secure contracts. Companies that won bids during this period allegedly did not supply milk-based ghee.

Official records cited during the session indicated that out of approximately 480 million laddu prasadams distributed between 2019 and 2024, nearly 200 million may have been prepared using adulterated ghee.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the issue as a grave wrongdoing and an organised conspiracy. He stated that large quantities of adulterated ghee were procured and used, involving significant financial expenditure and systemic lapses. He also noted that investigative agencies have gathered forensic evidence pointing to coordinated irregularities.

The controversy traces its origins to September 2024, when allegations surfaced regarding the quality and purity of ghee used in the preparation of the temple prasadam. The matter triggered intense political debate and religious concern due to the spiritual importance of the Tirumala laddu offered to devotees of Lord Venkateswara.

Leaders of the YSR Congress Party rejected the allegations and described the probe findings as politically motivated. Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused political opponents of exploiting religious sentiments for political gain.

During earlier hearings, the Supreme Court of India cautioned against politicising religious matters, emphasising that faith should remain separate from political disputes.

Temple authorities have termed the findings alarming and acknowledged gaps in internal testing mechanisms. Steps are being taken to strengthen quality control systems and ensure stricter monitoring of ingredients used in prasadam preparation.

The case continues to draw national attention due to its religious sensitivity, political implications, and concerns about food purity standards. Authorities are expected to take further action based on the investigation findings and strengthen safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.