Controversy Erupts Over Allegations of Animal Fat in Tirumala Laddoo

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has stirred controversy by accusing the previous YSR Congress (YSRCP) government of using animal fat and substandard ingredients in the preparation of the sacred Tirupati laddoo, served as 'prasad' at the renowned Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumala.

Speaking at an NDA legislative party meeting in Amravati, Naidu said, "Even the Tirumala laddoo was made with substandard ingredients... they used animal fat instead of ghee." He assured that under the current administration, the use of pure ghee has been restored, and all necessary sanitization measures have been undertaken to improve the quality of the offerings at the temple.

In response to Naidu's claims, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh echoed the allegations, further targeting the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government. However, YSRCP leaders quickly dismissed the accusations. Subba Reddy, a Rajya Sabha member and former chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), called Naidu's comments "extremely malicious" and challenged him to take an oath before the deity, along with his family, to verify the truth of his claims.

Subba Reddy accused Naidu of damaging the sanctity of Tirumala and undermining the faith of millions of devotees. He urged Naidu to prove his accusations, while also stating that the YSRCP government had always upheld the sanctity and traditions of the holy temple.

Meanwhile, the YSRCP dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, accusing Naidu of stooping to new lows for political gain.