Tirumala Laddu Row Raises Nationwide Commotion

Amaravati: The remarks by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on use of animal fat in preparation of laddus offered to world famous Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala has sparked off a nationwide commotion with Union Health Minister JP Nadda seeking details on the controversy and the YSR Congress Party approaching the judiciary for an independent probe into it.

Naidu raised a political storm by making the charge for two successive days at the NDA legislators meeting on Wednesday and inauguration of Anna Canteen at Vijayawada on Thursday, after samples tested by reputed lab had proved the use of animal fat during the YSRCP regime in 2019-2024.The charge was stoutly denied by YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Rajya Sabha MP and ex-Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman YV Subba Reddy and others.

At a media conference at Tadepalli on Friday, Jagan Mohan Reddy came down heavily on Naidu for making a ‘mischievous and unfounded’ charge against the erstwhile government for allowing use of animal fat in preparation of Tirumala laddus. YSRCP sources said the lawyer engaged by the party mentioned before AP High Court bench for a probe into the controversy by a sitting judge or a committee appointed by it. The party, the sources said, may file a PIL on the issue.

TTD sources said it prepares on an average 3.5 lakh laddus daily, which are in high demand all over the world due to its unique flavour and taste. TTD needs 5 lakh kg of ghee every year which it procures through e-tenders through the vendors.

Naidu said ghee samples by a reputed lab located in Gujarat confirmed the presence of beef tallow, lard and fish oil. In a posting on X, Naidu’s son and State IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh said, “The Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. I am shocked to learn that the @ysjagan administration used animal fat instead of ghee in the Tirupati Prasadam. Shame on @ysrcp government that couldn’t respect the religious sentiments of crores of devotees.”

Nadda, who is also the national president of BJP, said he spoke to Naidu, a key ally of the NDA, and sought details on the controversy. He said after obtaining the details, they would take action as per Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

According to TDP spokesman Anam Venkatram Reddy, the sample receipt date was July 9 and lab report was dated July 16. The report confirmed the use of beef tallow and animal fat - lard and fish oil in the preparation of ghee which was supplied to TTD.

He said the test was done by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)’s Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock & Food (CALF).

Another YSRCP leader, Karunakar Reddy, who served as TTD Chairman, said these allegations were made to divert public attention from the miserable performance of the NDA government in the 100 days after coming to power.

While Jagan Mohan Reddy’s estranged sister YS Sharmila sought a CBI probe, BJP State unit in a post on X, insisted on a thorough investigation into the use of animal fat in the making of Tirumala laddus. Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay also took to X to demand strong action against those involved in using animal fat in the world famous laddus.

Meanwhile, Congress national media incharge Pawan Khera described a very disturbing report on the laddus, which had saddened all.