NEW DELHI: TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy highlighted the lab results confirming beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in the ghee, sparking accusations that the previous YSRCP government compromised the sacred laddu’s quality.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Thursday asserted that a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory has confirmed the presence of “beef tallow,” “lard” (pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee used to prepare the famous Tirupati laddus.
An eight-page report, referenced by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, highlighted the traces of animal fats in the ghee, sparking controversy in religious and political circles. The report, dated 16 July 2024, was conducted by the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Gujarat. According to the TDP, the sample was submitted on 9 July 2024.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Naidu accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, under Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, of using animal fat, including beef tallow and lard, in the laddus offered as ‘prasad’ at the Tirupati shrine. Naidu cited the laboratory findings, which suggested the ghee used during the previous administration contained these substances, raising concerns among devotees about food safety and religious integrity.
TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy pointed out that the lab results confirmed the use of beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in the ghee, with an S-value of only 19.7. This revelation led to accusations that the previous YSRCP government had compromised the quality of the laddus, which are regarded as sacred.
Meanwhile, media reports on Thursday indicated that the Karnataka Milk Federation had clarified that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board had not purchased ghee from them in the last four years. The TTD board, under the current TDP administration, has been sourcing Nandhini Ghee, a product of the Karnataka Milk Federation, for the preparation of the laddus.
The Tirumala temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, holds immense significance for devotees, who believe the deity descended to earth to help humanity during the Kali Yuga. The alleged use of impure ingredients in the temple’s sacred offerings has intensified the controversy.
During a legislative meeting on Wednesday, CM Naidu criticized the previous YSRCP government for allegedly compromising the sanctity of the Sri Venkateswara temple by using substandard ghee in the laddus.
Nara Lokesh, son of Naidu and a TDP leader, shared his father’s concerns on social media, stating: “The Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. It is shocking to learn that the Y.S. Jagan administration used animal fat in the Tirupati Prasadam, disrespecting our religious traditions.”
In response, State Congress chief Y.S. Sharmila, sister of YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, called for a CBI investigation into the matter. She urged for a fair investigation to clarify the allegations and accused the TDP of engaging in political games.
Senior YSRCP leader B. Karunakar Reddy, a former chairman of the TTD board, dismissed Naidu’s claims as baseless. He argued that the accusations were politically motivated and aimed at discrediting the YSRCP leadership ahead of elections. Reddy emphasized that the YSRCP had always maintained high standards in preparing the sacred laddus at Tirumala.