A major controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh surrounding the iconic Tirupati laddus, following claims by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) that the ghee used in their preparation contains substandard and non-vegetarian ingredients like “beef tallow” and “lard.” The allegations, supported by a lab report, have sparked a political clash between the TDP and the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), raising concerns among devotees.
TDP’s Allegations and Lab Report Findings
On September 18, TDP leader N. Chandrababu Naidu accused the YSRCP government of compromising the sanctity of the revered laddus by using adulterated ghee. TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy presented the lab report, which indicated the presence of “beef tallow” and “lard” in the ghee supplied to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. According to the report, dated July 16, the ghee samples also contained “fish oil,” casting serious doubts on the quality of the ingredients.
Beef tallow is fat derived from the tissue of cows, commonly used in cooking and other industries. Lard is rendered fat from pigs, often used in frying and baking. While the lab report points to the presence of these animal fats, the Andhra Pradesh government and the temple management, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), have yet to officially confirm the findings.
Supplier’s Defense and TTD’s Response
AR Dairy, a former supplier of ghee to the temple, denied the allegations, asserting that their products met the required standards. The company emphasized that they had already stopped supplying ghee to the temple and maintained that they had provided certified lab reports proving their product’s quality.
The TTD, which manages the temple, confirmed that lab reports had shown impurities in the ghee supplied by one contractor. As a result, the contractor has been blacklisted, and legal action has been initiated. The TTD has assured devotees that the purity of the laddus has been restored, and only high-quality ingredients are being used moving forward.
Political Fallout
The allegations have led to a heated political battle between the TDP and the YSRCP. Naidu accused the YSRCP government, led by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, of purchasing cheap and substandard ghee during its tenure, compromising the sanctity of the sacred offering. He claimed that the previous administration’s actions were disrespectful to the devotees and the temple’s traditions.
In response, Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed Naidu’s claims as “diversion politics,” accusing the opposition of concocting a story to shift focus from its failures. The political spat intensified as the lab reports, commissioned by the TDP, backed Naidu’s allegations, prompting further scrutiny into the issue.
Religious Sensitivity and National Attention
The controversy took on a national dimension when it was revealed that 300 kilograms of the Tirupati laddus were distributed during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya earlier this year. Chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “If animal fat was mixed in the prasad, it is unforgivable.”
Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi have both called for investigations, demanding reports from the Andhra Pradesh government and regulatory authorities. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also been urged to look into the matter.
Moving Forward
In an effort to restore faith in the laddus, Naidu announced that new suppliers of pure cow ghee, including the well-known Nandini brand from Karnataka, have been contracted. The former chief priest of the Tirupati temple, Ramana Deekshitulu, also voiced concerns, revealing that he had previously raised the issue with TTD officials.
The TTD has reassured devotees that the quality of the laddus has been safeguarded, and only the best ingredients will be used in the future. However, the controversy has left a lasting impact, sparking debates about the temple’s administration and the broader political landscape in Andhra Pradesh.
(With inputs from agencies)
