Controversy Sparks Over Substandard Ingredients in Tirupati Laddu

The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has claimed the presence of animal fat in the renowned Tirupati laddu, based on a lab report from NDDB CALF Ltd. The report indicates beef tallow, pig fat, and fish oil in the ghee samples. Opposition YSR Congress Party denies the allegations.

Amidst rising controversy, the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Thursday asserted the use of animal fat in the globally revered Tirupati laddu, supported by a lab report from Gujarat-based NDDB CALF Ltd on ghee samples.

TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, during a press conference, presented the purported lab report that allegedly confirmed the presence of 'beef tallow' and other animal-derived substances in the ghee sample provided.

The controversy deepened as the report also indicated the presence of 'lard' and fish oil. With the sample receipt dated July 9, 2024, and the lab report dated July 16, no official confirmation has been provided by the Andhra Pradesh government or the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has accused the previous YSRCP government of using substandard ingredients, a claim strongly denied by the opposition.

(With inputs from agencies.)