The National Dairy Board which tested the ghee used in preparing the Tirupati laddus revealed in its report Thursday that the ghee was found mixed with foreign fat. According to the report by National Dairy Development Board's Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food, accessed by TIMES NOW, the ghee sample revealed the presence of "beef tallow, pig fat, and fish oil".
The report described its methodology, stating, "The S value of all equations for sample coded as AB021253 are falling out of the range as prescribed by method. If any S-value falls outside the corresponding limits, consider the sample to contain a foreign fat."
The report listed potential foreign fats, which included soybean, sunflower, olive, rapeseed, linseed, wheat germ, maize germ, cottonseed, fish oil, coconut and palm kernel fat, palm oil, beef tallow, and lard.
Vigilance Department Issues Notice To YSRCP President YVS Reddy
In the wake of the controversy, the Vigilance Department on Thursday served notice to YSRCP leader and former TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy over allegations of diverting funds and using adulterated ingredients in prasad and laddu preparation. YV Subba Reddy has requested additional data from the Vigilance Department for his response.
TDP's Allegations Against YSRCP
TDP leader and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday accused the previous YSRCP government of "adulterating" the sacred Tirumala Laddu. Naidu claimed that animal fat was used in place of pure ghee, sparking concerns.
"Even after numerous complaints, authorities had failed to maintain the sanctity of the revered prasadam," Naidu said during an NDA coalition meeting in Mangalagiri. He further added, "They have behaved like evil… The Prasadam which is offered to god was also impure. Not only are adulterated ingredients used, but they have also used animal fat instead of ghee."
Naidu expressed his dedication to restoring the purity of the prasadam: "We have ordered for pure ghee, and cleansing. Purity has increased, we are lucky that Lord Venkateshwara Swamy is in our state. The responsibility of saving Lord Venkateshwara Swamy lies on us."
YSRCP Hits Back
Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSRCP hit back at Naidu's accusations, with party president Reddy writing in a post on X, "Chandrababu Naidu committed a great sin by damaging the sanctity of the divine temple Tirumala and the faith of hundreds of crores of Hindus. Chandrababu's comments on Tirumala Prasad are very evil. No one born of human birth speaks such words or makes such accusations."
Subba Reddy challenged Naidu to take an oath regarding his claims, stating, "To strengthen the faith of the devotees, I and my family are ready to take an oath as witnesses of that God in the case of Tirumala Prasad. Is Chandrababu also ready to take oath with his family?"