Beef Fat And Fish Oil In Tirupati Laddu Stirs Political Fight

The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) claimed that a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory confirmed the presence of "beef tallow," and fish oil in the ghee used to prepare the famous Tirupati laddu On September 19. 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu pointed out that these findings indicate that the previous YSRCP (Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party) government, led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, used animal fat instead of pure ghee.

TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference presented the lab report, dated July 16, 2024, noting the sample was received on July 9. 

Following the revelations, CM Chandrababu Naidu promised to take strict action against those involved in the Tirupati Laddu issue. He also mentioned that some individuals had already been removed from their positions. 

As for now, CM assured that pure ghee is being used and highlighted that investigations are ongoing to ensure the purity of the holy prasad offered to devotees.

CM Chandrababu Naidu stated, "No person involved in this irregularity will be spared. The lab report clearly indicates that the quality of the prasad was compromised due to the adulteration of impure items. We have started taking action against those responsible, and pure ghee is now being used, which has satisfied devotees."

Allegations suggest that the previous YSRCP government compromised the Sri Venkateswara temple's integrity by using substandard ingredients and animal fats to cut costs. Reports claim that palm oil was replaced for ghee, and to mask the taste, they added "lard," "fish oil," and "beef tallow."

In response to these claims, State Congress chief Y.S. Sharmila, sister of YSRCP president Jagan Mohan Reddy, has called for a CBI investigation to verify Chandrababu Naidu's allegations. She criticized the CM and the YSRCP for what she termed "heinous politics" surrounding the preparation of Tirupati laddus.

Investigations are reported to begin, and if the allegations are proven, the government plans to take severe action against those involved in the Tirupati Laddu issue.