Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has requested a report from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) regarding allegations that animal fat was present in the famous Tirumala laddu during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) administration.
Amid growing outrage among devotees, CM Naidu has ordered the TTD Executive Officer to submit a detailed report by the end of the day. He convened a meeting with ministers and top officials to discuss the laddu’s quality and the implications of the allegations.
In an official statement, Naidu emphasized that strict action would be taken against anyone who undermines the sanctity of the Tirumala temple and offends the sentiments of devotees. He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing concerns over the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of laddu prasadam.
The CM highlighted that the government is aware of the significant distress this issue has caused among devotees worldwide. Key ministers and senior officials attended the review meeting, including Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Nimmala Ramanaidu, A. Satya Prasad, and Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad.
Naidu has called for a thorough investigation into any irregularities that may have occurred during the YSRCP’s tenure and has pledged to work with religious leaders to safeguard the temple’s sanctity and uphold the trust of its devotees.
Additionally, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has communicated with Naidu regarding the use of adulterated ghee in the laddu and has requested a report on the findings.
On September 18, CM Naidu claimed that the ghee used in laddu preparation during the YSRCP rule contained animal fat. Following this, TDP spokesman Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy revealed that lab tests conducted at the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Gujarat confirmed the presence of foreign fats, including beef tallow, lard, and fish oil.
The situation continues to develop as authorities work to address the concerns raised by devotees.
