Real World Consequences Of Parochialism? Nandini Loses Tirumala Contract

The production of Tirupati Laddus in the Tirupati Temple using Nandini dairy's ghee, operated by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), has been discontinued, according to KMF president Bhima Nayak.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has awarded the ghee contract to another company due to the increased prices of Nandini milk products.

In addition, the Karnataka government has approved a ₹3/litre increase in the prices of Nandini milk, claiming it to be the "cheapest" milk available in the state.

Nayak, speaking to reporters in Ballari, stated, "With the announcement of a milk price hike from August 1, the prices of ghee will also rise. The TTD has found an alternative company that supplies ghee at a lower cost for the production of Tirupati Laddus. Therefore, after many years, we had to discontinue the supply of Nandini ghee to TTD."

He further claimed that Nandini's ghee meets global standards, and other brands cannot match its quality.

"I believe that the laddus will no longer be the same. I can assure you that Nandini offers the best ghee in the market, having undergone rigorous quality checks. If any brand supplies ghee at a lower price than Nandini, I suspect that the quality will be compromised," stated the KMF president.

Nandini had reportedly been supplying ghee for the production of Tirupati Laddus for over 50 years.

One of the most significant offerings to Lord Balaji is the laddu, which is also a popular Prasad that devotees often take home.

This comes amidst the decision of the the Karnataka cabinet of a price increase of ₹3 per liter for Nandini milk.

Consequently, the price of toned milk will rise from ₹39 to ₹42 per liter starting from August 1.

Notably, earlier this year during Karnataka assembly elections, the Congress had alleged that the BJP was trying to finish the Nandini milk brand by bringing in Amul and acquiring it.

It had vehemently argued for a protectionist stance, arguing that Amul's entry in the state would lead to price rises and impact the farmers.

Thus, the termination of Nandini's contract with Tirumala due to increase in prices comes as a huge setback, while putting a dent to the erstwhile narrative built by the Congress, which had engaged in anti-Amul sloganeering cautioning price rises with entry of Amul.