Nandini Ghee Trucks Get GPS Tracking To Ensure Safe Delivery For Tirupati Laddus

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Tirupati Laddu, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which supplies the ghee used in the prasad, announced that its vehicles are being monitored through GPS to prevent adulteration. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) recently awarded the ghee supply contract to KMF's Nandini dairy.

KMF Managing Director Jagadish told PTI, "We are currently supplying ghee to TTD, and our vehicles are equipped with GPS and geolocation devices. These systems allow us to track the vehicles in real-time, and we receive alerts if the vehicles make unscheduled stops, ensuring no chance of adulteration."

Under the contract, Nandini will provide 350 tonnes of ghee to TTD.

The controversy erupted nationwide last week when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of using animal fat in the preparation of the famous Tirupati Laddu. A lab report later revealed the presence of substandard ghee and lard (pig fat) in recent samples, sparking widespread outrage and calls for a thorough investigation. Former AP CM Jagan Mohan Reddy denied the allegations, accusing Naidu's party of politicizing the issue involving Lord Venkateshwara.

In response, the Karnataka government has mandated the use of Nandini ghee in all temples across the state that distribute prasadam to devotees.

Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, "A circular will soon be issued to all major temples in Karnataka, requiring them to use only KMF's Nandini ghee in their prasadam. We will also conduct tests on prasadam served at these temples."

Weeks before the controversy broke, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah had flagged off Nandini vehicles supplying ghee to Tirupati.