Tirupati Laddus Row: A political row has erupted after Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday claimed that the previous YSRCP government used animal fat and substandard ingredients in making Tirupati laddu, which is served as ‘prasad’ at the famous Sri Venkateswara temple. The TDP also claimed that a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory has confirmed the presence of ‘beef tallow’, ‘lard’, and fish oil in the ghee used for the preparation of the Tirupati laddu. 

However, the YSRCP refuted the claims and accused the Andhra CM of indulging in ‘heinous allegations’ for political gains.

Here Are The Latest Updates: 

- During a press conference, TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy showed the purported lab report which apparently confirmed the presence of ‘beef tallow’ in the ghee sample, news agency PTI reported. 

- The purported lab report of Gujarat-based livestock laboratory, also claimed the presence of lard and fish oil in the samples. However, both the Andhra Pradesh government and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) have not officially confirmed the report. 

ALSO READ: Tirupati Laddoo Row: Beef Tallow, Fish Oil Used In Ghee During Jagan-Era? TDP Cites Lab Report To Back Naidu's Claim

- According to India Today, a four-member committee was set up to keep a check on the ghee procured by the shrine. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer J Syamala Rao reportedly said that a committee of four members has been appointed and they are expected to submit their report within a week. 

- Earlier, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Lokes Nara said that the lab reports clearly showed that beef fat, fish oil, and lard were used to make laddus being offered to devotees as ‘prasad’ at the famous Sri Venkateswara temple.

- TDP ally BJP has also demanded legal action over the incident and said the incident has hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. 

ALSO READ: Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Alleges Animal Fat In Tirupati Laddu; YSRCP Calls It 'Malicious'

- BJP leader Bhanuprakash Reddy, condemned the alleged use of animal fats in laddus and said they will file a complaint against the previous YSRCP government that was led by former chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy.

- "It is a very bad thing that happened in the history of Tirumala. We are very sad and we condemn the issue. Jagan Mohan Reddy's government wantedly damaged the sentiment of Hindu pilgrims, especially Balaji's devotees. We are filing a complaint against Jagan Mohan Reddy, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, Y.V. Subba Reddy and the then Executive Officer Dharma Reddy. Right now, we are using pure cow ghee for making laddu prasadam,” Reddy told news agency ANI.