Tirupati Laddu row: Subramanian Swamy files PIL in SC, seeks probe

The senior leader prayed that the SC issue directions to the authorities concerned to submit a detailed report on forensics of the ghee samples used by the laboratory, which determined that animal fat had been used in the ghee used by TTD in preparation of the Tirumala laddus.

Subramanian Swamy maintained in his petition that the issue ought to have been dealt with within the confines of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. But it has been politicised. There is a huge propaganda on the issue, hurting the sentiments of Lord Venkateswara’s devotees.

He underlined that the TTD is responsible for maintaining proper checks and balances on the quality of the ingredients being used for making laddu prasadam. He said in case the ingredients used for preparation of laddu prasadam had been found to be below the prescribed standard, the ingredients must have been returned to the supplier stating that their quality is below the prescribed norms.

Referring to the standard procedure followed at the TTD for accepting ghee, the BJP leader said that when trucks arrive carrying cow ghee, it would be tested. Only if the test report matches with the specifications mentioned in the tender, such ghee would be used for making laddu prasadam. In case of any fault in maintenance of the prescribed quality standards, the trucks would not be allowed to deliver that consignment of the ghee.

Subramanian Swamy raised some questions in his plea including whether the sample procured by the lab-testing agency had been from the ghee rejected by the TTD, whether the report has scope for false positive result, whether the said ghee had been procured or rejected after internal testing by TTD, and whether any political intervention is permissible in releasing such reports.
The BJP leader asked for identity of the supplier who supplied the adulterated ghee.