Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav raised serious concerns on Sunday over reports of substandard ingredients, including animal fat, allegedly being used in the preparation of the famous Tirupati Laddu Prasadam. Yadav called for an investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need for scrutiny in cases involving food adulteration. “No cognizance is being taken about the adulteration in the common man’s food. An inquiry should be carried out into this sensitive matter,” she stated, noting similar incidents have occurred elsewhere, such as in Vrindavan.
Allegations Against the Previous Government
The controversy erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the tenure of the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government. The Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, located in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district, is widely revered, and the allegations have caused a stir among devotees.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also demanded a fast-track inquiry into the alleged use of animal fat in the prasadam. He expressed concerns over the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer’s denial of the adulteration claims. “This kind of atmosphere is bad for the faith of crores of devotees. A fast-track inquiry should take place, and the strictest punishment to the guilty must be meted out,” Khera asserted.
Advocate Alleges “Attack on Hindu Sentiments”
Advocate K Karuna Sagar accused the previous YSRCP government of using animal fat in the Laddu Prasadam, describing it as a “conspiracy” against Hindu sentiments. “The Laddu Prasadam offered at Tirupati is world-famous for its divinity, sanctity, and quality. I was shocked and surprised after seeing the lab reports confirming that the low-quality ghee used contained beef, pork, and fish oil,” Sagar stated.
Political Allegations from Pawan Kalyan
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan claimed that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board was altered for political gain under the previous YSRCP government, leading to various scams. He alleged that worship protocols were changed, and over 300 temples were desecrated during that period. Kalyan also mentioned that “contaminated” laddus were sent to Ayodhya from TTD during the YSRCP regime, raising questions about adherence to religious protocols.
Response from YS Jagan Mohan Reddy
In response to these allegations, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of “politicizing religious matters,” dismissing the claims made by the opposition parties.
The controversy has stirred significant concern among devotees and political leaders, with calls for an in-depth investigation into the matter to maintain the sanctity and quality of the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam.