In response to allegations of animal fat in Tirupati laddu, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) clarified on Thursday that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board has not purchased ghee from them in the past four years. However, they confirmed that Nandhini Ghee had been supplied to the TTD during the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) regime under Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh.
TDP Alleges Evidence of Adulteration
TDP’s national spokesperson, Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, claimed that test reports indicate the presence of adulterated oil containing beef fat in the ghee. He further alleged that the ghee used in the laddus was contaminated with fish oil and fats from dead animals, including dogs. According to Reddy, the prasadam served to the deity was tainted with beef tallow, and this adulterated fat was also used in food offerings to Lord Venkateswara.
Reddy announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the TDP would present proof of these claims during a live session. “Supply of ghee to TTD Tirumala Devasthanam mixed with animal fat and fish oil going live at 4pm with proofs,” he posted.
The Controversy at a Glance
The controversy erupted when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, accused the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of using substandard ingredients, including animal fat, in the preparation of Tirupati laddu prasadam. Speaking at an NDA meeting in Amravati, Naidu said, “Even Tirumala laddu was made with substandard ingredients…they used animal fat instead of ghee.”
Naidu assured that since his administration took over, the temple now uses pure ghee, and steps have been taken to ensure the quality of the prasadam for devotees.
TDP vs YSRCP: Political Clash Over Religious Sentiments
TDP leaders, including Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh, criticized the YSRCP government for allegedly disrespecting the religious sentiments of devotees by using animal fat instead of ghee. Lokesh expressed shock at the allegations, stating, “The Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala is our most sacred temple. Shame on Jagan and the YSRCP government that couldn’t respect the religious sentiments of crores of devotees.”
YSRCP Denies Allegations
In response, Rajya Sabha MP and former chairman of the TTD, YV Subba Reddy, refuted Naidu’s claims, accusing him of using the controversy for political gain. Reddy said, “Naidu can go down to any level for the benefit of politics,” and challenged the Andhra Chief Minister to prove his allegations.