Amaravathi: A lab report has confirmed that the prasadam (offering) provided to devotees at the Tirupati temple contains animal fat and fish oil. Former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) accused the previous YSRCP government of using animal fat and low-quality ingredients in the production of Tirupati laddus. This sparked significant controversy, leading to an investigation.
According to a report from NDDB CALF, a private laboratory focusing on the examination of animal feed and dairy products, the samples of ghee used to make the Tirupati laddus were found to contain various fats, including palm oil, fish oil, beef tallow, and pork fat (derived from rendering fatty tissue of a pig).
Following Naidu’s allegations, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh also criticized Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government, expressing shock upon learning that animal fat was used instead of ghee in the Tirupati prasadam. “The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is our most sacred temple. I was shocked to find out that the Jagan Mohan Reddy government used animal fat in place of ghee in the prasadam,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
In response, the YSRCP stated that Naidu’s allegations were malicious and politically motivated. YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha member Subba Reddy claimed that Naidu’s comments severely impacted the sanctity of Tirumala and the faith of millions of Hindus. “His remarks regarding the prasadam are extremely malicious. No one should speak such words or make such allegations,” Subba Reddy stated on X.
Y.S. Sharmila, President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), demanded a CBI investigation to determine whether animal fat was used in the production of sweets. She stated that Naidu’s allegations hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindus who consider Venkateswara as their deity.
Sharmila urged the formation of a high-level committee or a CBI inquiry to investigate the claims about the use of animal fat instead of ghee. “The use of animal fat instead of ghee is a serious issue,” she said in a press release.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) called it a “serious matter” and demanded punishment for those responsible for using animal fat in Tirupati laddus. “This is a very serious issue, and it is not just anyone raising it; it is the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu. Punish those who used animal fat in Tirupati laddu prasadam,” said Vinod Bansal, VHP national spokesperson.
BJP MLA T. Raja Singh also stated that it was revealed that beef fat and fish oil were used in the prasadam under the YSRCP government, calling it unacceptable and inappropriate.
