Thu Sep 19 18:08:39 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Laddu Scandal: Animal Fat Found in Ghee, Political Row Erupts
**Hyderabad:** A political storm has erupted in Andhra Pradesh after a central government lab revealed that cow ghee procured by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) for making the iconic Tirupati Laddu contained traces of animal fat, including fish oil, beef tallow, and lard.
The revelation came from the Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock & Food (CALF) lab, run by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), which analyzed samples of the ghee sent in July 2024. The TDP, now in opposition, claimed that the findings exposed the misdeeds of the previous YSRCP government, which they accused of using substandard ingredients and compromising the sanctity of the religious offerings.
TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy highlighted the report’s findings, stating that the lab, recognized by the central government, confirmed the presence of animal fat alongside cow ghee, soybean, sunflower, olive, wheat germ, and other oils. He further alleged that the YSRCP government awarded tenders for the ghee at a drastically low price, compromising quality and possibly accepting bribes.
The YSRCP, however, vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that the samples were sent to the NDDB lab after the TDP-led NDA government came to power in June. They also accused the TDP of using the controversy to divert attention from their failures in implementing poll promises.
Adding to the controversy, TTD’s former chairman and Rajya Sabha member, YV Subba Reddy, challenged the TDP leader’s claims and demanded proof of animal fat usage, threatening to file a defamation suit if the allegations are not substantiated. He insisted that TTD has been using special ghee from ‘desi’ cow breeds and organic products to prepare offerings for Lord Venkateswara.
TTD has recently taken steps to address concerns regarding the quality of its ghee, establishing a sensory perception laboratory and training staff in quality control. They have also resumed sourcing ghee from the Karnataka Milk Producers Federation (KMF), which had previously stopped supply due to price discrepancies.
The scandal has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has vowed to take legal action against those responsible for the alleged adulteration of the Tirupati Laddu, asserting that the desecration of the religious offering will not be tolerated.
The controversy has raised serious concerns regarding the quality control of religious offerings and has sparked a heated political battle in Andhra Pradesh. The future of the case remains unclear, with investigations ongoing and legal actions pending.
First Piper 