Thu Sep 19 17:09:10 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Laddu Controversy: Animal Fat Found in Prasadam, Sparks Political Row
**Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh:** A political storm has erupted in Andhra Pradesh following allegations that animal fat, including beef tallow and fish oil, was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddu prasadam during the previous YSRCP government’s tenure.
A lab report by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) confirmed the presence of animal fat in the ghee used for the laddus, fueling outrage and accusations of disrespect towards religious sentiments.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), accused the former YSRCP government of using substandard ingredients and compromising the sanctity of the prasadam. He asserted that his government had reinstated the use of pure cow ghee and implemented stricter quality control measures.
The YSRCP, however, vehemently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and baseless. YV Subba Reddy, a former chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), challenged Naidu to prove his claims with a public oath.
The TTD, which manages the Sri Venkateswara temple, has taken steps to ensure the quality of prasadam ingredients. Since July 2022, they have rejected 42 truckloads of cow ghee for failing to meet quality standards. The TTD has also implemented stringent quality control procedures, including in-house laboratory testing and temperature-controlled transportation of ghee.
The controversy has raised concerns about the quality of prasadam offerings at religious institutions and sparked intense debate over the political and religious implications of the incident.
First Piper 