Tirupati laddoo sale surges as 'animal fat' claims fail to shake devotees’ faith

The alleged use of animal fat in the Tirupati laddoo has sparked a political storm in Andhra Pradesh, but it hasn't affected the sale of the revered prasad at Sri Venkateshwara Temple. Despite the controversy, over 14 lakh laddoos were sold in just four days, with an average of 3.50 lakh laddoos distributed daily to the temple’s 60,000 daily pilgrims. On September 19, 3.59 lakh laddoos were sold, followed by 3.17 lakh on the 20th, 3.67 lakh on the 21st, and 3.60 lakh on the 22nd.

The temple administration reassured devotees that the ingredients, which include Bengal gram, cow ghee, sugar, cashews, raisins, and almonds, meet strict standards. Venkateshwar Rao, a devotee, stated, "Our faith is too strong to be shaken." The temple uses 15,000 kg of cow ghee daily to prepare the laddoos, which pilgrims purchase in large numbers to share with family and friends.

The row started when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that ghee used in the laddoos under the previous YSRCP regime contained animal fat. In response, a Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe these claims. Meanwhile, former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has dismissed the allegations, accusing Naidu’s TDP of "politicising religious matters" for personal gain.

Mr Reddy also clarified that the tender process for ghee suppliers has long-standing standards, with suppliers required to submit NABL and quality certificates. He accused Naidu of being a "habitual liar" trying to stir unnecessary controversy around a religious issue.