For several decades, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) and other prominent temple authorities in Andhra Pradesh sourced ghee from local cooperative dairies like Chittoor Dairy without any issues related to quality or adulteration.
Chittoor Dairy, known for its high-quality milk and dairy products, supplied pure cow ghee in massive quantities, benefiting both the temples and local farmers. There was immense trust in Chittoor Dairy’s products, and as a result, there was no need for stringent testing.
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Decline of Chittoor Dairy and Shift to Nandini Ghee
However, due to several factors, including mismanagement and changing market dynamics, Chittoor Dairy eventually declined and was unable to continue supplying ghee to TTD. This opened the door for other suppliers to step in, and the Nandini brand from Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) became the primary source of ghee for TTD.
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At the time, both Chittoor and Karnataka dairies were renowned for their ghee production, and Nandini’s quality was on par with the standards set by Chittoor Dairy. Hence, TTD continued to use Nandini ghee without the need for additional testing or concerns about quality.
Allegations of Tender Irregularities in Jagan’s Government
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Under the YSRCP government, led by YS Jaganmohan Reddy, there have been allegations of irregularities in the tender process for procuring ghee for temple use. Critics claim that ghee from questionable sources was allowed into the supply chain, and this led to adulteration scandals, including accusations of mixing animal fat with the ghee. These claims have caused a major outcry, especially considering the sacred nature of the offerings at Tirumala.
The shift in procurement practices, away from established and trusted suppliers like Nandini and towards potentially unverified traders, is at the center of these allegations. This situation has raised concerns about the integrity of the procurement process and the sanctity of the offerings made at temples, particularly given the sensitivity around religious offerings like Laddu Prasadam.
Impact and Public Sentiment
The allegations of adulteration have severely hurt public sentiment, especially among Hindu devotees, as the Laddu Prasadam is considered sacred. It has also triggered a political storm, with opposition parties like TDP and national figures expressing outrage. The issue has attracted significant media attention, and calls for a thorough investigation into the procurement processes and quality control measures during the YSRCP regime are growing louder.
The decline of trusted sources like Chittoor Dairy and the subsequent procurement changes have highlighted the importance of maintaining strict quality standards and ethical practices, especially in sensitive areas like temple offerings.
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