Amid the controversy over adulteration in the ghee used for making prasad at the Tirumala Tirupati shrine, Karnataka Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed all major temples in Karnataka to use only Nandini ghee, made by Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Limited.
Karnataka Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated, "A circular will be issued today or tomorrow to ensure that all major temples in Karnataka use only Nandini ghee for prasada. We will also test the prasada given at these temples."
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Earlier, Tamil Nadu government also denied claims of adulteration in the fruit mix, Panchamiratham, provided in Palani Murugan Temple in the state.
On Wednesday, the controversy started when Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat had been used in Tirupati laddus during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government. This sparked a major political row, with the YSRCP accusing Naidu of making "heinous allegations" for political gain, while the TDP circulated a lab report to support his claims.
It is also alleged that the test was taken when the laddus was made using ghee procured from AR Dairy in Tamil Nadu instead of Nandini ghee.
On the issue, TDP MP Sribharat Mathukumilli added, "Lab reports on the ghee used for Tirupati Laddus revealed that the fat content was not within the stipulated range. It was a mix of vegetable oils and, shockingly, beef and pig fat. This revelation has deeply shaken devotees and followers of Hinduism across the country. The impact of this malpractice extends beyond Tirupati, with similar concerns arising at Simhachalam Temple."