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The controversy surrounding the use of ghee in making laddoos at the Tirupati Temple in Andhra Pradesh has escalated into a public spat between actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan and actor Prakash Raj. The conflict revolves around allegations of adulteration of the laddoos with animal fat, including fish oil, pork fat, and beef fat, which has triggered a wave of outrage and political maneuvering.
Pawan Kalyan, known for his outspoken views, voiced his concern over the alleged adulteration and questioned the accountability of the previous Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board, formed under the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government. He even suggested the creation of a 'Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board' at a national level to address issues related to temples across the country. This call for a national-level intervention sparked immediate criticism from Prakash Raj, who accused Kalyan of unnecessarily amplifying a regional issue into a national controversy.
Prakash Raj, known for his vocal stance on social and political issues, urged Kalyan to investigate the matter locally and take action against the culprits instead of escalating tensions at a national level. He pointed out the presence of enough communal tensions in the country and urged caution in handling sensitive matters. This exchange of words highlighted the contrasting approaches of the two actors towards the controversy, with Kalyan advocating for a broader national response while Raj emphasized the need for local action and conflict resolution.
The controversy took a significant turn when the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the Tirupati Temple, confirmed the presence of animal fat in the laddoos through lab reports. The TTD stated that tests conducted on the ghee used for the 'prasad' revealed the presence of animal fat, including lard (pig fat). This confirmation fueled the controversy, leading to the blacklisting of the supplier of the adulterated ghee and the initiation of legal proceedings against the supplier. The TTD's confirmation provided concrete evidence to support the initial allegations, further escalating the controversy.
The controversy has also become a political football, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu using the opportunity to criticize the previous YSRCP regime. He accused the YSRCP of compromising the sanctity of the Tirupati laddoos by using adulterated ghee. In an effort to restore the laddoo's purity, Naidu announced the replacement of the ghee supplier with Karnataka's Nandini brand. However, YSRCP president Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed the allegations as 'diversion politics,' accusing Naidu of fabricating the controversy to distract from his government's shortcomings during its first 100 days in power.
The central government has also taken note of the issue, with Union Health Minister JP Nadda seeking a detailed report from the Andhra Pradesh government and Food Minister Pralhad Joshi calling for an investigation into the allegations. The involvement of the central government indicates the seriousness of the issue and its potential to affect national religious sentiments. While the investigation is ongoing, the controversy has exposed a deep-rooted issue of adulteration and raised concerns about the quality control measures in place at religious institutions across the country.
Source: "Stop Trying To...": Prakash Raj vs Pawan Kalyan Over Tirupati Laddoo Row