Fri Sep 20 10:53:01 UTC 2024: ## Political Row Erupts in Andhra Pradesh Over Tirupati Temple Laddu Ingredients

**Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh:** A major political controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh over the alleged use of non-vegetarian ingredients in the laddus, a popular sweet offering at the revered Tirupati temple.

The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has accused the previous YSRCP government, led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, of using “animal fat” instead of ghee in the laddus.

At a press conference, TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy presented a purported lab report claiming the presence of beef tallow, lard (pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee samples.

“The lab reports confirm the use of these substances in the ghee supplied to Tirumala,” Reddy stated. He claimed the “S value” of the ghee sample was only 19.7, indicating adulteration.

However, neither the Andhra Pradesh government nor the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, has officially confirmed the authenticity of the lab report.

The YSRCP has vehemently denied the allegations, accusing Naidu of engaging in “heinous allegations” for political gain.

Senior YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha member YV Subba Reddy, a former TTD chairman, called Naidu’s allegations “unimaginable and deeply hurtful to devotees”. He challenged Naidu to swear before the deity about the truthfulness of his accusations.

The controversy has sparked widespread outrage and protests, with devotees expressing their shock and anger over the alleged use of non-vegetarian ingredients in the sacred offerings.

The situation remains tense, with both political parties trading accusations and intensifying the debate. The TTD is yet to release a statement on the issue.

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