The controversy surrounding the Tirupati temple laddoos took a serious turn after a lab report confirmed the presence of animal fats and fish oil in the prasadam. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had earlier accused the former YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of using substandard ingredients, including animal fat, in the sacred offering.
A report by NDDB CALF, a private lab specializing in animal feed and dairy testing, revealed that samples of ghee used in the preparation contained foreign fats such as palm oil, fish oil, beef tallow, and lard (derived from pig fat).
Following Naidu’s allegations, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh also criticized the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government, expressing shock over the misuse of ingredients in the laddoo prasad at Lord Venkateswara’s temple.
"This is our most sacred temple, and it’s appalling to learn that the administration used animal fat instead of ghee in the Tirupati prasadam," Lokesh posted on X.
However, the YSRCP dismissed these claims as "malicious," accusing Naidu of making politically motivated remarks. YSRCP leader Subba Reddy stated that Naidu's comments were damaging the sanctity of the temple and questioned his motives.
"The chief minister’s claims are baseless and hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindus. No one should speak or make such accusations lightly," said Reddy on X.
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila has since called for a CBI investigation to verify the allegations, stating that the accusations had deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) also reacted strongly, labeling it a "serious issue" and demanding accountability for those responsible for compromising the temple's offerings.
"This is an issue that cannot be ignored. We demand strict punishment for those who tampered with the sacred Tirupati laddoo prasadam," said VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal.
BJP MLA T. Raja Singh added to the outrage, condemning the use of beef fat and fish oil in the laddoos, calling it an attack on India's religious and cultural heritage under YSRCP rule.