The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has stirred controversy in Andhra Pradesh by alleging that beef tallow, lard (pig fat), and fish oil were used in the preparation of the famous Tirupati laddus during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government. TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy presented a lab report from the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) at the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat to support the claim.
Lab report of samples sent from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam that were sent to National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat for testing.
TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy says, “…The lab reports of samples certify that beef tallow and animal fat – lard, and fish oil… https://t.co/jwHKaS3erw pic.twitter.com/9eZasbkewh
— ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2024
The sample was reportedly received on July 9, 2024, and the lab report was issued on July 16. The report indicated that the ghee used in the laddus contained traces of beef tallow, lard, and fish oil. The S-value, an indicator of ghee purity, was stated to be 19.7, suggesting the use of adulterants.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu further alleged that the YSRCP government had compromised the sanctity of the Sri Venkateswara temple by using substandard ingredients and animal fats in the laddus offered as ‘prasadam.’ TDP leader Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy reiterated these claims, emphasizing the seriousness of the findings.
The Karnataka Milk Federation, which supplies ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), clarified on Thursday that it had not provided ghee to TTD in the past four years. The TTD has been using Nandhini Ghee since the TDP came to power in Andhra Pradesh.
The political fallout over the issue has been significant. During a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting, TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP administration of using animal fats instead of ghee in the laddus. His son, state minister Nara Lokesh, shared a video of Naidu discussing the matter on social media, expressing shock over the allegations.
Meanwhile, YSR Congress Party leaders have dismissed the claims as politically motivated. State Congress chief Y.S. Sharmila, sister of YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to verify the allegations, criticizing the TDP for engaging in “heinous politics” over the sacred laddu’s preparation. Senior YSRCP leader B. Karunakar Reddy accused Naidu of using the allegations to target the opposition party.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) also weighed in on the controversy. National spokesperson Vinod Bansal described Naidu’s allegations as a “serious issue” and demanded strict action against those responsible. He urged for “quick stern action” against anyone found guilty of using animal fat in the laddus.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, which oversees the temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, has yet to respond to the allegations. The temple, revered as Kaliyuga Vaikuntha, is known for its prasadam, and any compromise in its sanctity is likely to have widespread ramifications.