Fri Sep 20 01:49:26 UTC 2024: ## Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Accuses YSRCP of Using Animal Fat in Tirupati Laddu Prasadam

**Amaravati, India:** Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has accused the previous YSRCP regime of using animal fat in the preparation of the Tirupati laddu prasadam, a revered offering at the Sri Venkateswara Temple.

Naidu, speaking at a meeting of the NDA legislature party, alleged that the previous government compromised the quality of the laddus, using substandard ingredients. The TDP-led NDA government, he claimed, has since sanitized the process and improved the quality.

However, the YSRCP vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “malicious” and challenging Naidu to provide evidence. Senior YSRCP leader Y V Subba Reddy, a former chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) which manages the temple, stated that only top-quality ghee derived from indigenous cows was used.

Another former TTD chairman, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, also refuted Naidu’s claims, asserting that the officials involved in ghee procurement served under both the previous Naidu government and the current YSRCP regime, with no prior concerns regarding quality.

The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila expressed concern about the sanctity of the temple and requested an inquiry if Naidu believed his allegations were genuine.

The Tirupati laddu, a 300-year-old tradition, is made using 10 ingredients, including pure ghee, chickpea flour, sugar, cashews, cardamom, and raisins. The TTD procures ghee every six months through an online bidding process, with strict quality control measures implemented.

The temple’s state-of-the-art food testing laboratory conducts checks on every batch of laddus, ensuring adherence to specific weight and ingredient ratios. The laddus also undergo regular testing by external institutions like the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad.

While this controversy continues to escalate, the TTD has maintained its commitment to upholding the quality and sanctity of the Tirupati laddu, a cherished offering for millions of devotees worldwide.

Read More