New Delhi: Senior BJP politician Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stated on Friday that using animal fat in the Tirupati laddoo, which devotees take as prasad after offering to the Deity, is an attack on millions of people’s faith, and those found guilty of desecration should not be spared.
While speaking to IANS, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said: “This is a direct attack on people’s faith. It is a case of betrayal, and it is very clear that this has been done through a well-planned conspiracy. With business interests in mind, the faith of millions has been hurt. This is a betrayal, and those responsible must be punished.”
In response to the questions raised about Andhra Pradesh’s former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Naqvi emphasised the betrayal of trust. He stated, “Whoever is guilty should not be spared as this is an attack on the faith of millions of people. They have betrayed the trust of devotees, and this is something that cannot be forgiven.”
On September 18, rumours spread that the laddoos distributed at Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati Tirumala Temple were adulterated and that animal fat was also used in making the sweets. Subsequently, the National Dairy Development Board confirmed the reports.
‘Make in India’ iPhone 16 Launched, Thousands Wait Overnight to Buy Newly Launched Apple Device
After the report came out, Chandrababu Naidu’s government said that the previous government, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, had played with Hindus’ faith. They said the temple’s holiness had been compromised, and the people’s confidence had been greatly betrayed. Naidu also stated that his government had discontinued such activities, and the report that surfaced recently dates back to July.
According to the report, the prasadam laddoo contained various oils and fats, such as soybean, sunflower, olive, rapeseed, flaxseed, wheat germ, maize, cottonseed, fish oil, coconut, palm kernel fat, palm oil, cow tallow, and lard.
These substances are inappropriate for use in temple prasad, particularly considering the religious significance of the offering for devotees.
The controversy has sparked considerable outrage and calls for stern action against those responsible for the adulteration. Many say it is a deliberate attempt to undermine the faith of the millions of devotees who visit the Tirupati Temple each year, underscoring the urgent need for action.
For more updates Subscribe to Media Eye News
