Amid allegations of animal fat being used in the preparation of Tirupati laddoo, renowned Indian dairy brand Amul has issued a formal clarification, denying any involvement in supplying ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). The statement comes in response to social media claims suggesting that Amul had provided ghee for the temple’s offerings.
Addressing these reports, Amul stated, “This is in reference to some social media posts mentioning that Amul Ghee was being supplied to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). We wish to inform that we have never supplied Amul Ghee to TTD.”
The dairy brand further emphasized the quality and purity of its products, adding, “We also wish to clarify that Amul Ghee is made from milk at our state-of-the-art production facilities, which are ISO certified. Amul Ghee is made from high-quality pure milk fat. The milk received at our dairies passes through stringent quality checks, including adulteration detection as specified by FSSAI.”
The controversy escalated when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous government, led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, of using animal fat and other substandard ingredients in the preparation of the renowned Tirupati laddoo. The allegations have sparked widespread concern, prompting the involvement of the central government.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda requested a report from the Andhra Pradesh government on the matter, assuring that appropriate action would be taken after a thorough investigation. Additionally, Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi called for a detailed inquiry into the allegations.
In response, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed the accusations, asserting that the controversy was a political tactic aimed at diverting public attention from Naidu’s governance. Reddy accused Naidu of exploiting religious sentiments for political gain, stating, “Naidu is such a person who will use God also for political gains.”
Reddy further argued that the claims were a deliberate distraction from growing public discontent with Naidu’s administration, particularly over unmet poll promises. “This is diversion politics. On the one hand, people are expressing their anger at Chandrababu Naidu’s 100 days of rule. They are demanding answers on the ‘Super Six’ poll promises,” he remarked.
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister also questioned the ethics of playing with the emotions of millions of devotees, asking Naidu, “Is it fair to play with the sentiments of crores of devotees across the world?”
Reddy concluded by asserting that all tests and reports referenced in the controversy were conducted during the tenure of the NDA government. He also mentioned his intention to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud regarding Naidu’s alleged conduct toward the Tirumala deity.
