Cow fat and fish oil have been found to be added to the laddoos offered as prasad to devotees at the Tirupati temple in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had accused the previous YSR Congress (YSRCP) government of using animal fat and substandard ingredients in Tirupati’s laddoos.
Now, a private laboratory that focuses on testing animal feed, milk and dairy products has revealed that samples of the ghee used to make laddus in Tirupati have been found to contain animal fat, apart from palm oil. Contains oils, fish oil, beef and lard.
The YSRCP termed Naidu’s allegation as “malicious”, saying that he could “slope to any extent for political gain”.
YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha member Saba Reddy alleged that Naidu’s comments had seriously damaged the sanctity of holy Tirumala and the faith of crores of Hindus.
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila has demanded a CBI probe to find out whether animal fat was actually used to make sweets.
Not even the bell of the temple, but the brass pitcher!
Sharmila said that Naidu’s allegations have hurt the sentiments of crores of Hindus who regard Lord Venkateswara as a revered deity.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has termed it a “serious problem” and demanded punishment for those using animal fat in Tirupati’s laddus.
VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal said in a statement, ‘This is a very serious issue, which has not been raised by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Punish those who use animal fat in Tirupati Lado Prasad.’