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Tirumala Laddu Ghee Controversy: Pawan Kalyan Calls It an Assault on Faith, Seeks Strict Action
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Thursday raised serious concerns over the alleged use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of Tirumala Laddu prasadam, terming it a grave assault on Hindu faith and the sentiments of millions of devotees. Addressing a media briefing at Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s camp office, he said investigation reports indicated that the substance supplied as ghee was not derived from milk fat.
Pawan Kalyan stated that preliminary findings suggested the presence of vegetable oils and other non-dairy components, casting serious doubts on the purity and sanctity of the sacred prasadam offered at the Tirumala temple. He clarified that the Central Bureau of Investigation has not issued any clean chit in the matter and that further examination is underway to determine the exact composition of the adulterated material.
Describing the issue as highly sensitive, the Deputy Chief Minister stressed that religious matters must be handled with responsibility and transparency. He said the government chose to disclose the findings only after careful deliberation, as remaining silent would have undermined public trust.
He further alleged that the ghee procurement process during the previous government’s tenure raised several red flags, particularly the unusually low pricing compared to market rates, which should have prompted immediate scrutiny. According to him, laddus prepared using the same ghee were also sent for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration, hurting sentiments nationwide.
Pawan Kalyan asserted that those responsible must apologise to Lord Venkateswara and face stringent action. He reiterated that the coalition government would not spare anyone found guilty, emphasising that the case was not about targeting any religion but about safeguarding faith, accountability, and temple traditions. With the matter now before the Supreme Court, the controversy continues to draw national attention.
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