The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of using adulterated ghee in the famous Tirupati laddu. TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy stated that a lab report from a Gujarat-based livestock facility confirmed the presence of beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in the ghee. This revelation came after Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat was used in the preparation of the laddu.
The National Dairy Development Board’s CALF Lab conducted the tests, revealing various adulterants, including soybean, sunflower, and palm oil. The sample was received on July 9, with results released on July 16.
Political Backlash and Calls for Inquiry
YSRCP MP Y. V. Subba Reddy, who was chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) during the YSRCP’s tenure, dismissed the allegations as “malicious.” He criticized Naidu for damaging the temple’s sanctity and Hindu faith. In response, Reddy displayed the lab report at a news conference.
The TDP further questioned the low price of ghee contracts awarded under the previous government, suggesting corruption. TDP leaders highlighted that premium-quality ghee costs over Rs 1,000 per kg, while the TTD contracted ghee at Rs 320 per kg. They called for a comprehensive inquiry into alleged irregularities in TTD, as promised by Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy.
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