Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Vows Action Over Allegations of Animal Fats in Tirupati Laddus

Tirupati, 20th September 2024: Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced on Friday that the state government will take decisive action regarding allegations that animal fats were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRCP administration.

“We are deeply troubled by reports indicating that animal fats, including fish oil, pork fat, and beef fat, were mixed into the Tirupati Balaji prasadam. Many questions need to be addressed by the TTD board established by the previous YCP government. Our administration is committed to implementing strict measures in response. This situation also highlights broader issues concerning the desecration of temples, land disputes, and other religious practices,” he stated on X.

Kalyan suggested that it is time to establish a “Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board” at the national level to address all temple-related concerns across India. “We need a national dialogue involving policymakers, religious leaders, the judiciary, citizens, and media representatives to collectively end the desecration of Sanatana Dharma in any form,” he added.

A report from NDDB CALF, a private laboratory specializing in testing animal feed and dairy products, revealed that the ghee used in making Tirupati laddus contained various foreign fats, including palm oil, fish oil, beef tallow, and lard (derived from pig fat). This report was shared by Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, a spokesperson for the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

Andhra IT Minister Nara Lokesh also expressed his shock over the revelations, criticizing the previous government for allegedly using animal fats instead of pure ghee.

In response, senior YSRCP leader YV Subba Reddy, who chaired the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams under the prior administration, dismissed the TDP’s claims as “malicious.”