TDP Shows ‘Lab Report’ on Tirupati Laddus Containing Beef Tallow, YSRCP reacts

Amid controversy, the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) claimed on Thursday that a Gujarat-based livestock lab confirmed adulteration in ghee samples. TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy presented a lab report showing “beef tallow” in the ghee.

On Wednesday, N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat, not ghee, was used in the sacred laddus offered at the Tirupati shrine. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) accused Naidu of making these “heinous allegations” for political gain, while the TDP used the lab report to support the claim.

During an NDA meeting, Naidu stated that the previous YSRCP government, led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, used substandard ingredients and animal fat in the laddus at Tirumala temple. The TDP said the ghee sample, tested by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), confirmed the presence of “lard” and fish oil. The lab report was dated July 16, 2024, with the sample received on July 9.

However, neither the Andhra Pradesh government nor TTD has officially confirmed the lab report. The lab, CALF (Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock & Food) in Gujarat, conducted the tests.

Chandrababu Naidu further accused the YSRCP of desecrating Tirumala but said the cleansing process had started. Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh cited the lab report, claiming it proved the use of beef fat and fish oil in the laddus.

The BJP, an ally of TDP, demanded legal action. BJP OBC Morcha President K. Laxman said the Hindu community’s sentiments were hurt. Telangana BJP MLA Raja Singh called the alleged use of beef fat an attack on religious heritage.

YSRCP leader Y.V. Subba Reddy dismissed Naidu’s claims, calling them harmful to the temple’s sacredness and devotees’ faith. He said it was unimaginable to accuse the temple of using animal fat in the consecrated food.