Hyderabad: A recent lab report has reignited political tensions in Andhra Pradesh, revealing that animal fats, including beef tallow and fish oil, were used in the ghee for the famous Tirupati laddoos. The findings come from the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF), part of the National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat, and were released on Wednesday.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu criticized the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and its leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, stating that the lapses occurred during their administration. “Even Tirupati laddoo was made with substandard ingredients… they used animal fat instead of ghee,” Naidu remarked at a legislature party meeting in Amravati.
Naidu assured that his government is now committed to using higher quality ingredients for all food offerings at the revered temple, emphasizing the importance of maintaining religious and cultural standards.
Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh’s IT Minister and Naidu’s son, expressed his shock at the findings. “I am appalled that the Jagan Mohan Reddy administration used animal fat instead of ghee… shame on them for disrespecting the religious sentiments of millions,” he stated.
In response, YSRCP leader Y.V. Subba Reddy accused Naidu of politicizing the issue, stating on social media, “Chandrababu will not hesitate to do anything detrimental for political gain.” He offered to testify regarding the claims, challenging Naidu to do the same.
The Congress party also entered the fray, with former Chief Minister Y.S. Vijayamma, now leading the Congress in the state, calling for a high-level CBI inquiry. She stated on social media, “If there are no political angles to your allegations… form a high-level committee or call for a CBI inquiry to find out who is responsible.”
The controversy continues to unfold, drawing attention to the intersection of faith, politics, and food standards in one of India’s most sacred sites.
