Fri Sep 20 01:49:26 UTC 2024: ## Political Row Erupts in Andhra Pradesh over Alleged Use of Animal Fat in Tirupati Laddus

**Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh:** A political storm has erupted in Andhra Pradesh after the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alleged that animal fat, including “beef tallow” and “lard,” was used in the preparation of the famous Tirupati laddu during the previous YSRCP government.

TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy presented a purported lab report from a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory, claiming to confirm the presence of animal fat in ghee samples from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

The YSRCP strongly condemned the allegations, accusing Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of making “heinous allegations” for political gain. Senior YSRCP leader YV Subba Reddy, a former TTD chairman, challenged Naidu to swear before the deity on the veracity of his claims, threatening legal action if he fails to provide evidence.

YSRCP leader B Karunakar Reddy, another former TTD chairman, called Naidu’s accusations “sacrilegious” and a “deplorable experiment” for political mileage.

IT minister Nara Lokesh, also from the TDP, expressed shock at the alleged use of animal fat in the laddu, considering the sacredness of the Tirupati temple.

The AP Congress Committee president YS Sharmila condemned the “heinous politics” of both the TDP and YSRCP, calling for a CBI probe to ascertain the truth. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) termed Naidu’s accusation a “serious issue” and demanded strict action against those responsible.

The controversy has sparked outrage among devotees and raised concerns about the sanctity of the Tirupati temple. The TTD has yet to officially comment on the lab report or the allegations. This political battle is likely to intensify as the TDP and YSRCP engage in a war of words over the sanctity of the Tirupati laddu.

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