A recent lab report has ignited a fierce debate over the ingredients used in the famous laddus offered at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. Allegations surfaced that animal fats, including beef tallow and fish oil, were included in the ghee used to prepare these sacred sweets, a claim made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. This revelation has raised serious concerns among devotees and sparked political tensions between rival parties.
Allegations and Political Fallout
During a party meeting, Chief Minister Naidu accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of using substandard ingredients in the preparation of the laddus. According to Naidu, the ghee used in the iconic sweets contained traces of animal fats, which he argued disrespected the sentiments of millions of devotees. State IT Minister Nara Lokesh also condemned the previous government, expressing shock at the supposed use of animal fat instead of pure ghee.
The controversy began when a laboratory report from the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) in Gujarat confirmed the presence of beef tallow, fish oil, and lard in ghee samples taken from the temple. This report has fueled accusations of malpractice during the YSRCP administration, prompting strong reactions from both sides of the political aisle.
Responses from the YSRCP
The YSRCP, in sharp contrast, has fiercely refuted Naidu’s assertions, branding them as vicious and politically motivated. According to senior YSRCP leader Y V Subba Reddy, these charges damage the temple’s sacredness and offend believers. He defended the quality of the ghee used, saying it came from native cows and was of the best caliber.
Former TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy echoed these sentiments, criticizing Naidu for making unfounded allegations. He noted that officials responsible for the ghee procurement had served under both the TDP and YSRCP regimes without any prior concerns raised about the quality of the ingredients.
The Lab Report and Its Implications
The contentious lab report, purportedly dated July 16, claims that animal fats were indeed found in the ghee used for the laddus. TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy presented this report at a press conference, alleging that the previous government had failed to maintain the quality of the prasad. The TDP has called for accountability and transparency regarding the procurement of ghee during the YSRCP administration.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has clarified that it only supplied ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) after the change in government, distancing itself from the controversy surrounding the earlier administration.
Shocking 😳
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has made a shocking claim that the previous YSR Congress government led by Jagan Mohan Reddy used animal fat instead of ghee to prepare the sacred laddus at the Tirumala-Tirupati Balaji temple. pic.twitter.com/euVSFkZJCd
— Ashwini Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@Ashwini0911) September 19, 2024Broader Implications for Devotees
This controversy has broader implications, as the Tirupati laddu is not just a popular sweet; it holds significant religious importance for devotees visiting the temple. The use of animal fats in such a sacred offering raises deep concerns about adherence to religious norms and practices. YS Sharmila, the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president, has called for a thorough investigation into the claims made by Naidu, emphasizing the need to protect the sanctity of the revered temple.
As the political battle over the Tirupati laddus continues, the controversy highlights the delicate interplay between faith, food, and politics in India. While the TDP seeks to leverage the findings of the lab report for political gain, the YSRCP fights back to defend its record and maintain the trust of the devotees. With emotions running high and the stakes even higher, this issue is likely to remain a hot topic in Andhra Pradesh politics for the foreseeable future.
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