Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of compromising the sanctity of one of India’s most revered offerings, the Tirupati Laddu, by using animal fat in its preparation.
The accusation, made during an NDA legislative party meeting, has ignited a fierce political and religious debate, with the YSRCP vehemently denying the claims.
What are the allegations surrounding the Tirupati Laddu?
The controversy centers around the sacred laddu, or prasadam, distributed at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Mr. Naidu alleged that under the YSRCP’s governance, the ghee used in the laddu was adulterated with animal fats.
AP Minister and TDP National General Secretary Nara Lokesh followed up on the allegations and revealed that some samples were tested, and the allegations proved to be true.
According to the NDA leaders in AP, the NDDB CALF (National Dairy Development Board Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food) has confirmed the presence of foreign fats, including beef tallow, lard, and fish oil, in the ghee used for the laddus. Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh and others also cited the lab report as evidence supporting Naidu’s claims.
YSRCP reacts
YSRCP leaders, including former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy, have labeled Chandrababu Naidu’s statements as ‘malicious’ and politically motivated, accusing him of damaging the sanctity of the temple for political gain.
Mr. Subba Reddy challenged the Chief Minister to take an oath before the deity to prove his allegations and emphasized the need for factual evidence over political rhetoric.