(Image source from: Thehansindia.com)

The Tirupati laddu, a sacred offering from the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, has become the center of a major controversy. Allegations have surfaced about the use of animal fat in its preparation, causing an uproar in the Hindu community. The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP)-led government of adulterating the prasadam. TDP leader Nara Lokesh, son of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, claimed that during YSRCP's tenure, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) used substandard ingredients, including animal fat, in the production of the sacred Tirupati laddu. The TDP government has since taken corrective measures by appointing a new Executive Officer (EO) to manage TTD and ensure the quality of the prasadam is maintained.

The TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy revealed that a lab in Gujarat, NDDB CALF Ltd, found beef tallow, lard (pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee samples provided by TTD during the YSRCP regime. The samples, collected in July 2024, were discovered to contain these animal-derived fats instead of pure cow ghee, causing outrage among devotees. Reddy stated that the lab reports confirm the use of these animal-derived ingredients in the preparation of ghee supplied to Tirumala, which he described as an affront to the Hindu religion. The alleged adulteration has sparked strong reactions across political lines, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu calling it a grave insult to the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus, and claiming that even the Tirumala laddu was made with substandard ingredients, including animal fat instead of ghee.

Nara Lokesh, the son of Naidu, expressed shock and condemnation on social media, stating that the Tirumala temple is a sacred place, and he was dismayed to learn that the YSJagan administration used animal fat instead of ghee in the Tirupati Prasadam. Bhanuprakash Reddy, a former TTD Board Member and BJP leader, strongly condemned the use of animal fat in the revered prasadam and said they would file a formal complaint against Jagan Mohan Reddy and other officials involved. Reddy mentioned that during Jagan Mohan Reddy's tenure, TTD used pure cow ghee to prepare laddu, but it was unfortunately adulterated with vegetable oil and animal fat, which he described as a very bad thing in the history of Tirumala. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) also demanded swift action against those responsible, calling the allegations a serious issue and asserting that those who used animal fat in Tirupati laddu prasadam should be punished. Despite the lab reports and mounting political pressure, the YSRCP has vehemently denied the allegations.

The TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu is accused of fabricating the issue for political gains by the YSRCP government. Reddy claimed that these allegations are an attempt to tarnish the previous government's reputation. While the TDP continues to demand accountability, the YSRCP dismisses the claims as baseless. The BJP OBC Morcha president K. Laxman has called for legal action, stating that the Hindu community's sentiments have been deeply hurt. Laxman demanded that the current Chandrababu-led NDA government take firm legal action against the officials and persons involved. As the controversy escalates, devotees and political leaders await further clarity on the lab reports and actions to be taken. The TDP government has reassured devotees that pure cow ghee is once again being used in the preparation of the Tirupati laddu to restore trust in the sacred prasadam.