The allegations
The controversy began when TDP leader Nara Lokesh, son of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.He stated, "The previous government maintained Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) solely for their own and their partners' welfare. We exposed substandard Tirumala laddu production using animal fat, supported by lab reports."
Lokesh further emphasised that the TDP government has since taken corrective steps by appointing a new Executive Officer (EO) to manage TTD, ensuring that quality standards are upheld. "CM Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to maintain the quality of prasadam. The NDA government will bring new reforms to TTD and restore its past glory," he added.
Lab report confirms presence of animal fat
TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy shared findings from a Gujarat-based lab, NDDB CALF Ltd, which allegedly confirmed the use of"The lab reports certify that beef tallow, animal fat, lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee, which was supplied to Tirumala. This is an affront to the Hindu religion," Reddy stated.
Political reactions and condemnations
The allegations have stirred strong reactions across political lines. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu described the alleged adulteration as a grave insult to the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus. "Even Tirumala laddu was made with substandard ingredients... they used animal fat instead of ghee," he said while addressing the NDA legislature party meeting.Naidu’s son, Nara Lokesh, also took to social media to express his shock and condemnation, tweeting, "The Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. I am shocked to learn that the YSJagan administration used animal fat instead of ghee in the Tirupati Prasadam."
On the other hand, Bhanuprakash Reddy, a former TTD Board Member and BJP leader, strongly condemned the use of animal fat in the revered prasadam and said that they would file a formal complaint against Jagan Mohan Reddy and other officials involved. "During Jagan Mohan Reddy's tenure, TTD used pure cow ghee to prepare laddu. Unfortunately, that was adulterated with vegetable oil and animal fat. This is a very bad thing that happened in the history of Tirumala. We are very sad, and we condemn the issue," Bhanuprakash told ANI.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has also demanded swift action against those responsible, with its national spokesperson, Vinod Bansal, calling the allegations a "serious issue" and asserting, "Punish those who used animal fat in Tirupati laddu prasadam."
YSR Congress Party denies allegations
Despite the lab reports and mounting political pressure, the YSRCP has vehemently denied the allegations. Senior party leader and former TTD chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy termed the claims "malicious" and accused the TDP of fabricating the issue for political gains. "TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu will stoop to any level for political gains. These allegations are nothing but an attempt to tarnish the previous government's image," Reddy said.While the TDP continues to push for accountability, the YSRCP remains firm in its stance, dismissing the claims as baseless.
Amid the escalating controversy, K. Laxman, President of BJP OBC Morcha, has called for legal action, stating that the Hindu community’s sentiments have been deeply hurt. "The entire Hindu community all over the world condemns the action of the then government. We demand the present Chandrababu-led NDA government take firm legal action against the officials and persons concerned," Laxman asserted.
As the scandal unfolds, devotees and political leaders alike await further clarity on the veracity of the lab reports and the actions that will be taken against those involved. For now, the TDP government has reassured devotees that pure cow ghee is once again being used in the preparation of the Tirupati laddu, a move aimed at restoring trust in the
(With inputs from agencies)