Naidu gave publicity to Nandini ghee: Balachandra

Belagavi: The quality of Nandini brand ghee is being discussed across the nation for its purity, especially after the allegations made by Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu about the use of animal fat in the making of laddus, which are offered as ‘prasadam' in the Venkateshwara temple at Tirumala in Tirupati district, said former KMF chairman Balachandra Jarkiholi.
He spoke to media persons after participating in the general body meeting of Belagavi Milk Union for 2023-24, here on Monday. The Arabhavi BJP MLA said, "We should thank Naidu for giving such massive publicity to Nandini ghee."
According to Jarkiholi, Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam (TTD) trust committee used to get Nandini ghee for making prasadam when he was KMF chairman. He said things changed four years ago when the AP govt appointed a new chairman to TTD.
"The new chairman decided to procure ghee through tenders. KMF also participated in the tender process, but it stood second (L2). The chairman asked KMF to match the rate of private suppliers. However, we (KMF) said it's not possible because we don't compromise on quality. After that, we stopped the supply of ghee. Later, we don't know what developments happened," he said.
According to Jarkiholi, until Nandini brand ghee was being supplied, the quality of the Tirupati prasadam was good and there were no complaints. "Late actor Puneet Rajkumar was a brand ambassador of Nandini and he had supported supplying ghee to TTD. Allegations are coming after TTD started procuring ghee from private players. The truth is supposed to come out through a thorough investigation," he said.
Jarkiholi further said, "TTD has again contacted KMF to procure ghee. It is our pride to supply ghee to TTD for making prasadam, which is consumed by devotees across the nation," he stated.