Thu Sep 19 17:09:13 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Laddu Controversy: TDP Alleges Animal Fat Used in Prasad, YSRCP Denies

**TIRUPATI, INDIA** – A political storm has erupted in Andhra Pradesh over the use of ingredients in the world-renowned Tirupati laddu, offered as prasad at the Lord Venkateswara temple. The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has accused the previous YSRCP government of using animal fat instead of ghee in the laddus.

TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy presented a lab report from a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory, CALF, which allegedly confirmed the presence of beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in the ghee used for the laddus during the YSRCP administration. The report, dated July 16, 2024, was based on a sample collected on July 9.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who leads the TDP, has called for a thorough investigation into the matter, claiming that the previous government compromised the sanctity of the temple by using substandard ingredients.

The YSRCP, however, has vehemently denied the allegations. Senior party leader B Karunakar Reddy accused Naidu of using the issue for political gain, claiming that the TDP has been supplying Nandhini Ghee to the temple since coming to power.

The Karnataka Milk Federation, which supplies Nandhini Ghee, confirmed that they have not provided any ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board in the past four years.

The controversy has sparked widespread outrage, with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) calling for strict action against those responsible for allegedly using animal fat in the prasad.

The opposition Congress has called for a CBI investigation into the matter, while the YSRCP’s Y. S. Sharmila has criticized the TDP for engaging in “heinous politics” over the issue.

The controversy surrounding the Tirupati laddu has put the spotlight on the sanctity of religious offerings and the use of quality ingredients in religious practices. The allegations and counter-allegations have created a tense political atmosphere in the state, with both parties accusing each other of playing politics with religion.

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