A storm of controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh after the discovery of animal fat in the renowned Tirupati Balaji Prasad. Pawan Kalyan, the Minister of Environment, Forests, Science and Technology, voiced his deep concern over the findings, urging the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board to take immediate action.
Kalyan, in a post on the social media platform X, expressed his dismay, stating, “We are all deeply disturbed with the findings of animal fat (fish oil, pork fat and beef fat) mixed in Tirupathi Balaji Prasad. Many questions to be answered by the TTD board constituted by YCP Govt then.” He called for a national debate involving policymakers and citizens to address the issue and ensure the sanctity of religious practices.
The controversy was ignited by the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) which claimed that a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory confirmed the presence of animal fats in the ghee used for preparing the Tirupati laddu. TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, during a press conference, displayed the purported lab report that claimed the presence of “beef tallow”, “lard” (related to pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee. The ghee sample report, dated July 16, suggested that the sample was received on July 9 this year.
The Janasena Party (JSP) chief, Pawan Kalyan, emphasized that the discovery throws light on various issues surrounding the desecration of temples, land issues, and other dharmic practices. He stressed the need for a national dialogue involving policymakers, religious heads, the judiciary, citizens, and the media to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Furthermore, Kalyan proposed the constitution of a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at the national level to address temple desecration and related issues across India. “I think we all should come together to put an end to the desecration of ‘Sanathana Dharma’ in any form,” he stated, highlighting the need for collective action to protect religious sanctity.
The revelation has sent shockwaves across the state and beyond, triggering a heated debate on the need for greater transparency and accountability in religious institutions. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the TTD board will address these allegations and the steps it will take to restore public confidence.
