Animal fat in Tirupati's prasad laddoo! claims Chandrababu Naidu; YSRCP responds

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has made a serious allegation against the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, claiming that animal fat and substandard ingredients were used in preparing the sacred Tirupati laddoo, which is served as 'prasad' at the revered Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumala.

Naidu leveled the accusation during the NDA legislature party meeting in Amravati, stating, "Even Tirumala laddoo was made with substandard ingredients...they used animal fat instead of ghee." Naidu went on to assure that under his leadership, the temple's operations had been improved, pure ghee was being used, and all processes had been sanitized, leading to a better-quality prasad.

Adding to the allegations, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh also criticized the previous government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. On X, Lokesh expressed his shock at the alleged use of animal fat in the sacred offering, stating that it tarnished the sanctity of Lord Venkateswara’s temple.

In response, YSRCP leaders condemned Naidu's accusations. YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP Subba Reddy labeled the claims "malicious" and accused Naidu of damaging the faith of millions of Hindus. Reddy challenged Naidu to take an oath before the deity with his family to prove his claims, questioning whether Naidu would agree to do so.

The YSRCP maintained that the allegations were politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing their image ahead of upcoming elections.