Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi has called for an in-depth investigation into allegations raised by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu regarding the use of animal fat in the famed Tirupati laddoos. These claims have sparked widespread concern among devotees, as the laddoos are a sacred offering at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati.
“Whatever the Andhra Chief Minister has said is a matter of serious concern. A detailed inquiry is required, and the culprit should be punished,” Joshi stated during a global food regulators summit on Friday.
Allegations of Animal Fat in Sacred Prasad
The controversy came to light after Naidu, during a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislative meeting, accused the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government of using adulterated ghee containing animal fat in the preparation of the laddoos. According to Naidu, a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory confirmed the presence of beef tallow, lard (pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee provided by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the Sri Venkateswara temple.
TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy further fueled the debate by presenting the purported lab report during a press conference in Amaravati. “The report confirms the adulteration of the ghee used to make the laddoos, which is deeply concerning for millions of devotees,” Reddy stated.
Significance of the Tirupati Laddoo
The Tirupati laddoo is not just a confection; it holds deep religious significance as a sacred prasad offered to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. The laddoos are distributed free to devotees, with approximately 3.5 lakh (350,000) laddoos produced daily at the temple. The preparation involves vast quantities of ingredients, including 400-500 kg of ghee, 750 kg of cashew nuts, 500 kg of raisins, and 200 kg of cardamom.
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Past Conflicts and Ghee Procurement Issues
This is not the first time the ghee used for the laddoos has caused controversy. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, which manages the temple, procures 5 lakh kg of ghee annually through tenders. Under the Jagan Mohan Reddy government, the TTD stopped sourcing Nandini ghee from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) due to pricing disputes.
However, after Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) regained power in Andhra Pradesh during the July Assembly elections, securing 167 seats in alliance with the BJP and Janasena, KMF resumed supplying its renowned Nandini ghee to the TTD in August. Naidu’s directive was aimed at improving the quality of the laddoos, especially in light of the recent allegations.
Reaction from Temple Authorities
Ramana Deekshitulu, a priest at the Tirumala temple, confirmed the ongoing concerns regarding the quality of the ghee used in the laddoo preparation. “The cow ghee used for making prasad had a lot of impurities and was of poor quality. I brought this to the attention of the authorities and the trust board chairman years ago, but nothing was done,” he told the media.
Deekshitulu expressed optimism about the recent change in government, noting that the new administration had already started procuring pure cow ghee from government dairies. “They are now preparing food material with pure ghee. Care should be taken that such great sins are not repeated in this holy temple, where crores of devotees have great faith and devotion.”
Political Reactions and Next Steps
The BJP has strongly condemned the alleged use of animal fat, calling it an “unforgivable sin.” Senior BJP leader Bandi Sanjay hinted that individuals from other religious backgrounds, who were involved in the management of the TTD during the previous administration, might be responsible for the issue.
As the controversy escalates, the call for a detailed investigation continues to grow louder. Naidu’s allegations have ignited a political firestorm, with the YSR Congress Party rejecting the claims as a “diversionary tactic.” Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government has denied any wrongdoing, accusing Naidu of damaging the temple’s sanctity for political gain.
As the investigation unfolds, devotees and political observers alike await clarity on the true nature of the controversy surrounding the sacred Tirupati laddoos.
