The Tirumala laddu controversy is not just a political issue — it is a matter that directly touches the faith of crores of devotees who revere Lord Venkateswara and accept the laddu prasadam with deep devotion. Yet, despite clear laboratory findings and the CBI-SIT investigation stating that no animal fat was found in the ghee used for laddus, certain coalition leaders and sections of media have continued what YSRCP leaders describe as a deliberate misinformation campaign.
According to this narrative, the controversy is less about food quality and more about using religion for political diversion and sensationalism.
What the Lab Reports Actually Said
National-level institutions such as NDDB and NDRI tested ghee samples as part of the SIT investigation. The findings cited in the SIT chargesheet clearly stated:
• No animal fat
• No beef tallow
• No lard
• No pig fat
• No fish oil
Once these findings became public, the original allegation of “animal fat in laddus” completely collapsed. Yet, they say, the same accusation continued to be repeated in public discourse.
Shift from Animal Fat to “Chemicals” Narrative
After the animal fat claim weakened, a new line of allegations emerged — that chemicals were used to create ghee aroma or that synthetic substances were mixed.
YSRCP leaders counter that:
• No official lab report has confirmed toilet-cleaning chemicals or dangerous acids in laddu preparation.
• Such claims originated from political speeches and TV debates, not scientific documents.
• Raising terms like “Harpic” or toilet cleaners is seen as an attempt to shock devotees and damage Tirumala’s sanctity.
They call this a classic case of shifting goalposts when the first allegation failed.
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Role of Media Sensationalism
A major part of the criticism is directed at certain media outlets accused of:
• Running dramatic headlines about “hundreds of proofs” without showing lab evidence
• Publishing emotional or provocative language around prasadam
• Amplifying unverified political statements as fact
YSRCP voices say this has created unnecessary fear among devotees and disrespected a sacred institution.
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Diversion Politics Allegation
Another key part of the narrative is that the laddu issue was amplified during times of political pressure on the ruling establishment. According to this view:
• Religious controversy was used to divert attention from governance issues
• Faith was turned into a political battleground
• Devotees’ emotions were weaponized for mileage
This, they argue, is the most serious concern — not just misinformation, but politicisation of devotion.
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Core Argument from YSRCP Side
The central counter-position is:
If scientific reports found no animal fat, continuing to claim impurity in prasadam amounts to misleading devotees. Repeating such claims after official clarification is portrayed as an attack on Tirumala’s reputation itself.
YSRCP leaders maintain that protecting Tirumala’s sanctity should be above political rivalry and that irresponsible statements damage both faith and public trust.
