Fri Sep 20 23:51:12 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Laddoo Controversy: Political Row Erupts Over Alleged Use of Animal Fat in Sacred Prasad

**Tirupati, India -** A political storm has erupted in Andhra Pradesh over the use of ingredients in the sacred Tirupati laddoos, a prasadam offered at the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple. The controversy began when former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the previous government, led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, used animal fat in the preparation of the laddoos.

Naidu’s accusations were supported by TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, who presented a laboratory report from a Gujarat-based institution, CALF, claiming the presence of “beef tallow, Lard, and Fish Oil” in ghee samples from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

Nara Lokesh, Naidu’s son and Andhra Pradesh IT Minister, echoed the accusations, stating that the use of animal fat instead of ghee in the sacred prasadam was a “betrayal of the faith and trust of Hindus.”

However, Reddy and his YSRCP party vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “heinous” and politically motivated. They asserted that the ghee used in the laddoos is procured from NABL-certified companies and undergoes rigorous testing.

Reddy further alleged that Naidu’s accusations were a ploy to divert attention from his own government’s failures. Senior YSRCP leaders, including YV Subba Reddy and B Karunakar Reddy, accused Naidu of insulting Lord Venkateswara Swamy and hurting the sentiments of devotees.

The controversy has drawn the attention of national leaders, with BJP chief JP Nadda demanding an investigation into the matter and the FSSAI taking appropriate action. Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar also called for an immediate probe into the allegations.

Amidst the political firestorm, dairy giant Amul issued a statement clarifying that it had never supplied ghee to the TTD. Similarly, the Nandini brand milk producer Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) stated that they discontinued their ghee supply to the TTD four years ago due to pricing issues.

The controversy has sparked legal action, with YSRCP leader YV Subba Reddy filing a petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking to uncover the truth behind the allegations. A separate petition has been filed in the Supreme Court, arguing that the alleged use of animal fat violates fundamental Hindu religious customs.

The controversy over the Tirupati laddoos has shaken the devout and ignited a political firestorm in Andhra Pradesh, raising concerns about religious sentiments and food safety. The truth behind these allegations remains to be determined, with the investigation expected to shed light on the procedures and ingredients used in the preparation of the sacred prasadam.

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