Mr Kalyan, who is the Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister, said secularism should be "mutual".
Pawan Kalyan, Actor Prakash Raj Face Off Over Tirupati Laddoo Row Again
Mr Raj said his comments had been misinterpreted.
The simmering feud between Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and actor Prakash Raj over the alleged adulteration of the famed Tirupati laddoos has gone on the boil again.
Actor-politician Kalyan, who is the chief of the Jana Sena and part of the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh as well as the Centre, had spoken out about the traces of animal fat in the form of beef tallow, fish oil, and lard (pig fat) allegedly found in the ghee used for the laddoos under the previous state government headed by YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy. The allegation was originally made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Reacting to Mr Kalyan’s comments, actor Prakash Raj had said that the politician is part of the ruling dispensation in the state and should focus on investigating the matter rather than stoking communal tensions.
On Tuesday, Mr Kalyan went to the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada to perform a purification ritual as part of his 11-day ‘Prayaschitta Diksha’ (penance for atonement) over the adulteration and hit out at Mr Raj for questioning his secular credentials.
“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? Prakash should learn a lesson,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
“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 utmost importance. Every Hindu should take responsibility in this regard. If similar issues arose in other religions, there would be a widespread agitation,” he added.
Mr Raj posted a video on X, saying that he had been misinterpreted and would reply to Mr Kalyan’s questions when he returned to India after a shoot.
“Dear Pawan Kalyan garu, I saw your press meet. What I have said and what you have misinterpreted is surprising. I am shooting abroad; I will come back to reply your questions. Meanwhile, I would appreciate if you could go through my tweet earlier and understand,” he wrote with the video.
Point, Counterpoint
On September 20, Mr Kalyan had said on X that many questions needed to be answered by the board of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) – the trust that manages the Tirupati temple – constituted by the YSR Congress government.
“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… May be the time has come to constitute a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at a National level to look into all the issues related to temples in the entire Bharath… I think we all should come together to put an end to desecration of ‘Sanathana Dharma’ in any form,” he had posted on X.
“Dear @PawanKalyan…It has happened in a state where you are a DCM (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,” he wrote.
A Pawan Kalyan-Actor Karthi Spat Over Tirupati Laddoo Row, Then An Apology
The misunderstanding between Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Tamil actor Karthi regarding comments on the alleged adulteration of the famous Tirupati laddoos has come to a peaceful conclusion. Kalyan, who also leads the Jana Sena party, accepted Karthi’s apology and extended his best wishes for the actor’s upcoming film.
The Context of the Controversy
The tension arose when Karthi, during an event in Hyderabad, was asked to comment on various memes, including one related to the laddoos. Amid ongoing allegations made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu regarding the use of animal fats in the laddoos under the previous YSR Congress government, Karthi remarked that discussing laddoos was sensitive at this time. This comment did not sit well with Kalyan, who is allied with Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and was currently engaged in a ‘Prayaschitta Diksha’ (penance) over the allegations.
Kalyan expressed his offense at Karthi’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of the Tirupati laddoos in the context of Sanatana Dharma. “People are joking about the laddoo. When you say it’s a sensitive issue, think carefully before making such comments,” he stated, underscoring the emotional significance of the subject for many devotees.
Karthi’s Apology
In light of the backlash, Karthi quickly took to social media to apologize. He affirmed his deep respect for the traditions surrounding Lord Venkateswara, the deity of the Tirupati temple, and expressed regret if his comments had caused any offense.
Pawan Kalyan appreciated Karthi’s swift response and graciously accepted the apology. He also wished Karthi good fortune for his film “Meiyazhagan,” which his brother Suriya Sivakumar is producing.
“Dear @Karthi_Offl garu, I sincerely appreciate your kind gesture and the respect you’ve shown towards our shared traditions. Matters concerning our sacred institutions, like Tirupati and its revered laddus, carry deep emotional weight for millions of devotees,” Kalyan wrote on X, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity around such topics.
Acknowledging Shared Responsibility
In his message, Kalyan highlighted the role of public figures in promoting unity and respect among diverse communities. He recognized Karthi’s contributions to cinema and praised him as a talented actor whose work enriches the industry.
While this issue has been resolved, Kalyan remains embroiled in a separate dispute with actor Prakash Raj regarding the laddoo controversy. Raj has urged Kalyan to refrain from exacerbating communal tensions, while Kalyan has pushed back, defending his stance on secularism.
Conclusion
The resolution between Pawan Kalyan and Karthi showcases the power of dialogue and understanding in the face of misunderstandings. As both figures navigate the complexities of their roles in public life, their interactions reflect the broader themes of respect for cultural traditions and the responsibility that comes with influence.