Tirupati: Amid allegations of using substandard ingredients and animal fat in the preparation of the famous Tirupati laddu, the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has claimed that a lab report from Gujarat-based NDDB CALF Ltd confirms adulteration in the ghee used. At a press conference, TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy presented the lab report, which allegedly detected “beef tallow,” “lard” (pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee. The sample was received on July 9, 2024, and the report was dated July 16.
The Water and Food Analysis Laboratory of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) had collected the ghee and laddu samples in early July, which were then sent to NDDB CALF for testing.
Andhra Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, leader of the Jana Sena Party, stated that the government is committed to strict action and called for the establishment of a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ to address temple-related issues across the country. He stressed the need for a national-level board and called for a broad debate involving policymakers, religious leaders, and the judiciary.
The Congress party also reacted, demanding a thorough investigation to identify those responsible if the claims are true. Congress leader Pawan Khera warned that millions of devotees would not forgive anyone playing with their faith if the allegations were false.
Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi also expressed concern, calling for a detailed inquiry and punishment for those found guilty of adulteration.
