EXCLUSIVE: 'Adulterated Ghee Was Used Before, EO’s Statement Twisted By Media,' Says Dy CM Pawan Kalyan

The controversy surrounding the use of adulterated ghee-allegedly containing beef tallow, pig lard, and fish oil-in the preparation of the sacred Tirupati Laddus has left millions of Lord Venkateshwara devotees in shock. Conflicting reports about whether such ghee was ever used to make the laddus have fueled widespread confusion. While some statements from the Andhra Pradesh government confirmed the use of adulterated ghee on multiple occasions, media outlets quoted Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer (EO) as saying, "the adulterated ghee was never used," adding to the chaos.

In an exclusive interview with OneIndia's Akash Kolluru, Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Jana Sena Party Chief, Pawan Kalyan, clarified the issue and addressed the confusion. He said, "If the adulterated ghee had never been used, the issue would not have escalated to this point. It's as simple as that. We are always cautious before making any statements. What the EO said was about the current situation, not the past."

Pawan Kalyan explained that the EO was referring to the period after he took charge, implying that the issue had been resolved since then. "We've been raising concerns about the quality of the prasad for a long time. When the new EO came in, he clarified that since they blacklisted the company supplying the adulterated ghee, only properly tested ghee has been used. He was speaking in the context of the present, but some people chose to twist his words," the Deputy CM added.

Pawan Kalyan also mentioned that the EO's statement may have been misunderstood, particularly in translation. "He might have expressed it better in Telugu, but in English, it came across differently. When I personally asked him, he confirmed that after the blacklisting, the ghee was tested and was of good quality. That's what he meant, but certain groups are twisting his words to suggest something else."

This clarification comes just days after prominent media outlets, reported the EO's statement, sparking widespread confusion among devotees. These reports suggested that the EO had completely denied the use of adulterated ghee, which contradicts earlier statements from the ruling alliance in Andhra Pradesh.

Pawan Kalyan emphasised that the issue at hand was much more significant than a simple case of food adulteration-it also reflects on how religious institutions like the TTD are managed. He reiterated the need for transparency and accountability in maintaining the sanctity of such revered practices.

While the controversy continues to unfold, Pawan Kalyan's statements bring clarity to a situation that has left millions of devotees with unanswered questions. His remarks not only shed light on the issue but also highlight the importance of clear communication and responsible reporting in sensitive matters like religious practices. As the investigation continues, it remains crucial for all stakeholders to ensure that the sanctity of the Tirupati Laddus and the trust of devotees are upheld.