The sacred Tirupati Laddu, a symbol of faith for millions of devotees worldwide, is once again at the center of a massive controversy.
While earlier allegations focused on the presence of animal fat, the narrative has shifted toward a startling new claim involving industrial-grade substances.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has recently alleged that “bathroom cleaning chemicals” were used to adulterate the ghee used for making the prasadam at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
This revelation has sparked fresh outrage and intensified the political battle between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).
Tirupati Laddu Row
The controversy began with claims that beef tallow and lard had contaminated the sacred ghee. However, a recent CBI chargesheet has provided a different perspective on the matter.
According to the chargesheet, while animal fats like tallow and lard were not found in the samples, the ghee was indeed adulterated using plant oils and specific chemicals. These findings cover the period between 2019 and 2024, a timeframe during which the YSRCP was in power.
Bathroom Chemicals
The TDP, citing the official chargesheet, identified specific substances allegedly introduced into the supply chain. The primary concern revolves around the supply of approximately 8,900 kilograms of chemicals to dairy suppliers.
LABSA and Lactic Acid
The chargesheet highlights two main substances:
- Lactic Acid: Often used in various industries, but its presence in sacred ghee has raised eyebrows.
- LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid): This is the “acid slurry” often referred to as a bathroom cleaning chemical.
Why LABSA is Dangerous
The TDP has categorized LABSA as a “non-food grade” and “corrosive industrial substance”. According to their statement, this chemical is capable of causing:
- Severe chemical burns.
- Internal organ damage.
- Potentially fatal injuries if ingested.
Supply Chain Under Scrutiny
The investigation points toward a complex procurement process involving multiple actors. One of the accused, Manish Gupta, allegedly prepared invoices under various names between March 2022 and May 2024.
The chargesheet suggests that purchase orders were issued through informal channels like WhatsApp to supply these chemicals to specific dairy companies, including M/s Harsh Fresh Dairy Products and M/s Bhole Baba Organic Dairy Milk.
Jagan Mohan Reddy Hits Back
Former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has dismissed these claims as “false propaganda”. He argues that the CBI’s findings actually vindicate his party regarding the animal fat allegations.
Reddy stated that the chargesheet, backed by reports from two Central laboratories, does not mention any names associated with the YSRCP. He accused Naidu of “dragging God into politics” for selfish gains and described the ongoing investigation as an “eyewash”.
Impact on Devotees
The Tirupati Laddu is more than just a sweet; it is a matter of tradition, identity, and deep-seated faith. For many, the idea that the prasadam could be contaminated with industrial-grade cleaning agents is a source of profound anguish.
The state government has indicated that previous tender norms were diluted and reports were suppressed, leading to this lapse in quality control. As the legal battle moves toward the Supreme Court, the focus remains on restoring the sanctity of the temple’s offerings.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At the heart of this controversy lies a distressing breach of trust that transcends politics. We believe that the sanctity of religious symbols should never be compromised for political leverage or profit.
This situation calls for absolute transparency and a commitment to communal harmony. Instead of using faith as a tool for division, leaders must prioritize the health and spiritual sentiments of the people, ensuring that empathy and ethical governance guide the path to justice.
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