• By Mayukh Debnath
  • Fri, 20 Sep 2024 03:52 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Tirupati Laddu News: After a sensational claim by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu about the alleged use of animal fats in the preparation of the famed Tirupati prasadam (Tirupati laddu) during his predecessor YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's tenure ignited a massive row in the state and the rest of the country, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Friday claimed that suppliers were earlier warned that they would be blacklisted if they didn't supply quality goods, news agency PTI reported.

BEEF TALLOW, LARD 'FOUND' IN LAB ANALYSIS

The TDP had on Thursday cited a lab report in an attempt to substantiate Naidu's claim. The analysis of samples sent to the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat confirmed that beef tallow, fish oil and lard (a semi-solid white fat product obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of a pig) were among the ingredients that were used to prepare the 'Ghee' that in turn was used to make Tirupati laddoos during the previous regime, TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy had said.

TIRUMALA TIRUPATI LADDU: TDP CLAIM

He said, "CM N Chandrababu Naidu had stated yesterday that animal fat was used as one of the ingredients for the preparation of ghee which was supplied to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. The lab reports of samples which were sent for testing to National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat certify that beef tallow and animal fat - lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee which was supplied to Tirumala and also the S value is only 19.7."

JAGAN MOHAN REDDY UNDER FIRE

Asserting that the alleged mass adulteration in Jagan-era was an "affront to Hindu religion", the TDP leader had further said, "The 'prasadam' which is offered to the Lord thrice a day has been mixed with this ghee...We hope that justice will be done and Lord Govind will forgive us for whatever mistakes that have been committed."

TIRUPATI LADDU CONTROVERSY: WHAT IS TIRUMALA PRASADAM?

Tirupati laddu or Tirumala prasadam refers to the sacred sweet offered at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati. The temple is devoted to Lord Venkateswara, a manifestation of Hindu Lord Vishnu.

(With inputs from agencies)