Pawan Kalyan vs Prakash Raj over Tirupati laddu row: 'Attack on Sanatana Dharma'

Pawan Kalyan has called the adulteration in Tirupati laddus an attack on Sanatana Dharma. He questioned actor Prakash Raj after the latter criticised his statement.

In Short

• Pawan Kalyan, Prakash Raj clash over Tirupati laddu adulteration
• Kalyan claims attack on Sanatana Dharma, urges action
• Prakash Raj urges Kalyan to investigate instead of spreading fear

A war of words has erupted between Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and actor Prakash Raj over the Tirupati laddu adulteration controversy. Pawan Kalyan has raised questions over what he claimed are “malicious attempts” to infuse impurity in Prasad, calling it an attack on Sanatana Dharma. Meanwhile, Prakash Raj has said that Kalyan should investigate the matter instead of spreading apprehensions.

The spat continued on Tuesday, when Pawan Kalyan questioned Prakash Raj’s criticism of his statement.

"I am addressing the sanctity of Hinduism and issues like food adulteration. Why should I not speak about these matters? I respect you Prakash Raj, and when it comes to secularism, it must be mutual. I do not understand why you are criticising me. Should I not speak out against attacks on Sanatana Dharma?” Pawan Kalyan said.

The actor-turned-politician said that Prakash Raj “should learn a lesson”, adding that the film industry and others should not make light of this issue.

“I am very serious about Sanatana Dharma. Many critics have targeted Ayyappa and Goddess Saraswati. Sanatana Dharma is of the utmost importance. Every Hindu should take responsibility in this regard. If similar issues arose in other religions, there would be widespread agitation," Pawan Kalyan said.

In response to Kalyan’s media address, Prakash Raj tweeted a video, saying “Dear Pawan Kalyan, I saw your press meet... what I have said and what you have misinterpreted is surprising... I am shooting abroad. Will come back to reply to your questions... Meanwhile, I would appreciate if you can go through my tweet earlier and understand.”

The development comes just days after Kalyan had tweeted about the findings of animal fat (fish oil, pork fat and beef fat ) mixed in Tirupati Balaji prasad.

Pawan Kalyan, who joined hands with Chandrababu Naidu to form government in Andhra Pradesh this year, used the issue of Tirupati laddus to target the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime.

“Our government is committed to taking as stringent action as possible. But, this throws light on many issues surrounding the desecration of temples, its land issues, and other dharmic practices,” Pawan Kalyan said.

He further proposed the constitution of a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at a national level to look into all the issues related to temples in India.

“A debate has to happen at a national level by all the policymakers, religious heads, judiciary, citizens, media and all others in their respective domains. I think we all should come together to put an end to the desecration of Sanatana Dharma in any form,” Pawan Kalyan said.

The tweet had drawn a reaction from Prakash Raj, who pointed out that the incident took place in Andhra Pradesh where Pawan Kalyan is the Deputy Chief Minister.

“Please Investigate... Find out the culprits and take stringent action. Why are you spreading apprehensions and blowing up the issue nationally? ...We have enough communal tensions in the country. (Thanks to your friends in the Center),” Prakash Raj said.

The war of words continued on Tuesday, with Pawan Kalyan responding to Prakash Raj’s tweet and saying that the film industry should not make light of the attack on Sanatana Dharma.