Tirumala Laddu Controversy: Claims of Animal Fat in Prasadam Sparks Outrage

Tirumala Laddu Controversy: A major controversy has erupted surrounding the alleged use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of the sacred Laddu prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. The controversy intensified after the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, echoed accusations made by former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. According to the TTD, ghee suppliers may have taken advantage of the temple's lack of in-house testing facilities for adulteration, leading to the alleged use of substandard ingredients.

Lab Tests Reveal Shocking Results

TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao stated that lab tests revealed the presence of animal fat, including lard (pig fat), in ghee samples used for the laddu prasadam. This discovery has raised serious concerns among devotees, as the laddus are considered sacred offerings. All four samples sent for testing showed similar results, prompting the TTD to immediately halt supplies from the implicated contractors. Additionally, the TTD has initiated procedures to blacklist the contractor and impose penalties.

Political Fallout and Accusations

The controversy took a political turn when Naidu accused the current government, led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, of allowing the use of substandard ingredients, including animal fat and fish oil, in the sacred laddus. Naidu's claims were reportedly backed by a laboratory report from Gujarat's NDDB CALF lab, which allegedly confirmed the presence of lard, beef tallow, and fish oil in the ghee. Naidu and his party, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), have presented these findings to the public, accusing the ruling government of negligence.

Denials and Political Tension

Former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy, a senior leader of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), vehemently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. Subba Reddy challenged Naidu to swear before the deity to prove his claims, emphasizing that the suggestion of animal fat in the prasadam is unthinkable. He accused Naidu of attempting to gain political mileage by dragging religious traditions into the controversy.

Fellow YSRCP leader B. Karunakar Reddy also criticized Naidu, stating that the accusations were baseless and designed to tarnish the YSRCP's image. He expressed concern that sacred traditions were being used for political mudslinging.

Calls for Investigation

As the controversy escalated, several political leaders and parties called for an impartial investigation. Andhra Pradesh Congress President YS Sharmila, in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requested a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. She warned that if the allegations are proven true, it would amount to a severe act of desecration of the temple, and those responsible should be held accountable.

National Response

The controversy has sparked outrage across the country, with BJP leaders, including Telangana MLA Raja Singh, condemning the alleged use of animal fat in the prasadam. Singh described the allegations as an attack on India's cultural and religious heritage.

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Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has reportedly spoken with Chief Minister Naidu and indicated that the central government is awaiting a full report on the issue before taking further action. This issue continues to unfold, with devotees and political parties demanding transparency and justice regarding the sacred offering's preparation.