Tirupati Laddu controversy: What kind of politics is this on the faith of devotees, questions have been raised on Tirupati Laddu even before the 'obesity controversy'

Reddy challenges Naidu

Political experts say that the controversy has come to light at a time when Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is back in power. This controversy is an opportunity to strengthen its appeal among Hindu voters. On the other hand, the YSRCP has strongly denied these allegations. Senior party leader and former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy has accused Naidu of political opportunism. Reddy has challenged the Andhra CM to take an oath before Lord Venkateswara to prove his claims.

Tirupati laddus have been in controversies earlier too

This is not the first time that Tirupati laddus are at the centre of controversies. Earlier too, several issues have cropped up over the preparation, distribution and quality of the laddus. There have been complaints of deviation from the traditional recipe and alleged commercial exploitation of the prasad. In 2023, Tirupati laddus came into the news due to quality control. At that time it was revealed that the famous 'Nandini' ghee of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) was no longer being used in making laddus. A senior KMF official said that they had refused to participate in the tender process for the supply of ghee to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). He said that they could not compromise on the price (Rs 400 per kg).

Nandini Ghee has been an important ingredient in making Tirupati Laddus for the last two decades. When another private company replaced it, complaints from devotees increased that both the taste and texture of the laddus were getting spoiled. Ghee plays an important role in making laddus. It brings taste and richness to this holy sweet. Nandini Ghee was known for its high quality. As the controversy grew, the Naidu government ensured the return of Nandini Ghee to bring back the traditional taste of laddus as soon as it returned to power in February 2024.

Laddu was also surrounded by questions in the year 2016

The issue of safety and hygiene standards of Tirupati laddus was raised in 2016. At that time, activist T Narasimha Murthy had filed a complaint with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He had alleged that unhygienic methods were used in making the laddus. Strange things like nuts, bolts and even paan parag covers were found in the laddus. The petition requested that the quality, certification and manufacturing methods of the laddus be tested under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

In response, on August 1, 2016, FSSAI directed the Andhra Pradesh government and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) executive officer to investigate the claims and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The TTD initially opposed this. They argued that being prasad, laddus were not subject to food safety norms. But FSSAI said that anything meant for human consumption falls under its purview. This led to necessary changes being made in the way laddus were prepared and inspected. Thus, the main issue of safety was resolved.

When gold was found in laddu

In April 2012, Sure Redappa, a 32-year-old goldsmith from Chittoor, found a gold item in one of the 16 laddus he bought after visiting the Tirumala temple. Redappa was so happy that he took the discovery as a sign from Lord Venkateswara, inspiring him to continue his profession as a goldsmith. The earring weighed 400 milligrams and was worth around Rs 1,500. We performed the puja on an auspicious day like Friday and found it in the laddu, it felt like a blessing, he told The Times of India over the phone. Similarly, a few years later, a devotee found a key ring in a laddu.