The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has stirred a major controversy by claiming that the world-famous Tirupati laddus, a consecrated offering from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), contain animal fat, including beef tallow and fish oil. This shocking allegation has sent ripples through Andhra Pradesh and among devotees of Lord Venkateswara, who regard the laddu as a sacred offering.
According to TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, lab reports from a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory indicate that the Tirupati laddus, revered by millions, have been made using substandard ingredients, including beef tallow, lard (pig fat), and fish oil. The samples in question were sent to the lab on July 9, 2024, with the report being issued a week later on July 16, 2024.
Reddy further claimed, “The lab reports of samples certify that beef tallow and animal fat – lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee which was supplied to Tirumala, and also the S value is only 19.7.”
He continued by reiterating that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had also made this revelation. “CM Chandrababu Naidu had stated yesterday that animal fat was used as one of the ingredients for the preparation of ghee which was supplied to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. The lab reports of samples, which were sent for testing to the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat, certify that beef tallow and animal fat – lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee which was supplied to Tirumala and also the S value is only 19.7.”
The TDP spokesperson also expressed deep concern over the religious implications of this issue, calling it an “affront” to the Hindu faith. “This is an affront to Hindu religion… The ‘prasadam’ which is offered to the Lord thrice a day has been mixed with this ghee… We hope that justice will be done and Lord Govind will forgive us for whatever mistakes that have been committed,” Reddy said, highlighting the spiritual significance of the issue.
The allegations surfaced on September 18 when Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, of using substandard ingredients, including animal fat, in the preparation of the Tirupati laddu. The accusations have sparked a wave of concern, with many devotees voicing their distress and demanding action.
However, no official confirmation or response has yet come from either the Andhra Pradesh government or the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the iconic Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has categorically denied all the accusations leveled by the TDP. In response, YSRCP leaders have criticized the TDP for making baseless claims to gain political mileage and tarnish the reputation of the state’s most revered religious institution.
This controversy comes at a time when the religious sentiments of devotees are deeply intertwined with the temple and its traditions. With no official word from the concerned authorities, the issue continues to simmer, raising questions about both religious sanctity and political motivations.
Related posts:
