Why Naidu's claim about animal fat in Tirupati laddus has sparked political row

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has stirred controversy with allegations that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the tenure of the YSR Congress Party. Naidu made the claim while addressing an NDA legislative party meeting, asserting that substandard ingredients, including animal fat instead of ghee, were used in the iconic prasadam at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Tirupati, under the previous YSRCP government.

Also Read: Water crisis looms at Tirupati: TTD issues urgent notice to devotees

The chief minister stated that under his leadership, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, has restored the quality of the laddus by using pure ghee. He further claimed that his administration has "sanitised" the temple's operations to improve the standards of the offerings.

Supporting Naidu's claims, Andhra IT minister Nara Lokesh expressed shock at the alleged use of animal fat during YSRCP’s rule.

However, YSR Congress Party leaders swiftly dismissed the accusations. Senior party leader Y.V. Subba Reddy, who previously chaired the TTD, called Naidu’s statements "malicious" and politically motivated. Reddy argued that the remarks were aimed at damaging the sanctity of the temple and the faith of millions of devotees.

The controversy has escalated tensions between Naidu’s TDP and the YSR Congress Party, as both sides trade accusations ahead of political battles.