TIRUPATI: The ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged adulteration of ingredients, especially ghee, used in preparing prasadam at the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, has escalated. Pawan Kalyan, the deputy chief minister of the state, launched a scathing attack on Jagan Mohan Reddy and the YSRCP, accusing them of tarnishing the sacredness of the temple.
Kalyan alleged that during the previous YSRCP government’s management of temple affairs, several illicit activities occurred, which affected the temple’s sanctity. “When people with no commitment, values, or respect for the sanctity of the temple take charge, this is what happens. It’s not just about the prasadam—maybe even liquor and non-vegetarian food were supplied, and people had parties there,” Kalyan claimed.
He also criticized the procurement of cheap ghee, questioning how the temple could source ghee at such low prices. “You need 15,000 kgs of ghee per day to make prasad. They claimed they changed vendors to reduce costs from over Rs 1,000 to Rs 360-400. Ghee is expensive, so how could they source it so cheaply?” he asked.
Kalyan further pointed out long-standing complaints from devotees regarding the quality of the prasadam, with many noting an unusual smell coming from it, which he said was unnatural. “People were regularly complaining about the smell, which is not typical of the prasad,” Kalyan alleged.
In response, A R Dairy, a Tamil Nadu-based supplier contracted to provide ghee, denied the allegations. The company stated that the NDDB lab test report did not confirm that the ghee sample was from their dairy and mentioned the possibility of false positive results. A top executive added that their ghee had passed the TTD’s tests in June and July, and they stopped supplying only after TTD changed vendors.
This controversy continues to generate significant tension, with the YSRCP facing increasing criticism over the handling of temple affairs and the quality of prasadam at one of the country’s most sacred temples.
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