Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and Prakash Raj clash over Tirupati laddu

Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan vs Prakash Raj on Tirupati Laddu Controversy:

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and renowned actor Prakash Raj have been sparring on social media platform X over the ongoing Tirupati Laddu controversy, which involves allegations of animal fat being used in the sacred laddus.

The Janasena chief, Kalyan, criticized the film industry for "making light" of religious issues, emphasizing the sanctity of Hinduism and the seriousness of food adulteration allegations. He arrived in Vijayawada on Tuesday morning to perform a purification ritual as part of his 11-day 'Prayaschitta Diksha'. Responding to Prakash Raj's comments questioning his secularism, Kalyan stated, “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 criticizing me. Should I not speak out against attacks on Sanatana Dharma? Prakash should learn a lesson. The film industry and others should not make light of this issue; I am very serious about Sanatana Dharma.”

In response, Prakash Raj posted on X, “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 to your questions. Meanwhile, I would appreciate it if you could go through my tweet earlier and understand.”

Kalyan further asserted the need for a national-level 'Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board' to address issues related to temples and alleged food adulteration at the Tirupati-Tirumala mandir. He stated, "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 were to be answered by the TTD board constituted by the YCP government then. Our government is committed to taking stringent action possible. But this throws light on many issues surrounding the desecration of temples, land issues, and other dharmic practices."

Kalyan proposed a national debate involving policymakers, religious heads, the judiciary, citizens, and the media to address these concerns and protect 'Sanatana Dharma'.

Prakash Raj, however, urged Kalyan to focus on resolving the issue within Andhra Pradesh. He replied, “Dear Pawan Kalyan, it has happened in a state where you are a DCM. Please investigate and 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