Changed ghee brand behind 'animal fat in Tirupati laddoo' controversy?
Hyderabad: Massive controversy has erupted surrounding a recent lab report confirming Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's claims regarding the quality of ghee used for Tirupati laddoos during the YSR Congress Party's regime. The report revealed the presence of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard (obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of a pig) in the ghee samples. This revelation has also brought the focus regarding the halt in the supply of the renowned Nandini ghee last year.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, responsible for managing the temple, typically sources 5 lakh kg of ghee annually through tenders issued every six months. However, the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government ceased sourcing Nandini ghee last year from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) after nearly 15 years, citing pricing disputes. KMF chairman Bheema Naik previously stated that the laddoos will not be the same anymore, emphasising the quality assurance that Nandini ghee provides.
Daily production of approximately 3.5 lakh laddoos at Tirupati requires substantial quantities of high-quality ingredients, including 400-500 kg of ghee, 750 kg of cashew nuts, and 200 kg of cardamom, with each laddoo costing around Rs 40 to produce.
Meanwhile, in response to the lab findings regarding the ghee's composition, a four member committee has been established by the TTD to keep a check on the ghee procured by the shrine. The committee will additionally advise on terms and conditions to be included for procuring quality ghee.
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Waqf Bill anti-secular, will snatch rights of Muslims: Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday described the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as “anti-secular”, claiming that it would snatch the rights of Muslims.
Banerjee, speaking in the assembly, also said the Centre did not consult with states over the matter.
“The bill is anti-federal and anti-secular; it is a deliberate attempt to malign a particular section. It will snatch the rights of Muslims... The Centre did not consult with us on the Waqf Bill,” she said.
The chief minister added that “if any religion was attacked”, she would wholeheartedly condemn it.
Opposition parties have stridently criticised the amendments proposed by the bill in the existing Waqf Act, alleging that they violate the religious rights of Muslims.
The ruling BJP has asserted that the amendments will bring transparency in the functioning of the Waqf boards and make them accountable.
A parliamentary committee has been constituted to scrutinise the contentious bill.
