Pawan Kalyan Criticises Prakash Raj for Questioning Him on Tirupati Laddu Row: 'Every Hindu Should...'

A heated exchange erupted between Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and actor Prakash Raj on social media platform X, as the two prominent personalities clashed over the controversial Tirupati Laddu row. The dispute was ignited by allegations of animal fat being used in the sacred laddus offered at the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), sparking widespread outrage and political debate.

On Tuesday morning, Pawan Kalyan, who is also the chief of the Janasena Party, arrived in Vijayawada to perform a purification ritual as part of his ongoing 11-day ‘Prayaschitta Diksha’. During his visit, Kalyan took the opportunity to address his concerns over the issue, criticising the film industry and individuals like Prakash Raj for “making light” of matters related to religion.

In a press meet, Kalyan hit back at critics questioning his commitment to secularism, stating, “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, but secularism must be mutual. I do not understand why you are criticising me. Should I not speak out against attacks on Sanatana Dharma? The film industry and others should not make light of this issue; I am very serious about Sanatana Dharma.”

He added that there have been frequent attacks on key Hindu symbols such as Ayyappa and Goddess Saraswati. “Every Hindu should take responsibility in this regard. If similar issues arose in other religions, there would be widespread agitation.”

Prakash Raj, who has been vocal about his secular views, responded swiftly to Kalyan’s comments. Taking to X, he wrote, “Dear Pawan Kalyan garu, I saw your press meet. What I have said and what you have misinterpreted is surprising. I am currently abroad for a shoot, but I will respond to your statements once I return. Meanwhile, please go through my earlier tweet and understand my point.”

Kalyan’s remarks have stirred controversy, especially his call for the establishment of a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at a national level. He expressed his deep concern over the alleged use of animal fat (including fish oil, pork fat, and beef fat) in the preparation of Tirupati laddus, urging for strict action from the TTD board, which had been under the governance of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) at the time of the reported incident.

Kalyan stated, “We are all deeply disturbed with the findings of animal fat mixed in Tirupathi Balaji Prasad. This raises many questions for the TTD board. Our government is committed to taking stringent action, but this issue highlights larger concerns around the desecration of temples and dharmic practices.”

In response, Prakash Raj tweeted, urging Kalyan to focus on solving the issue at the state level. “Dear Pawan Kalyan, this has happened in a state where you serve as Deputy CM. Please investigate and find the culprits. Why are you spreading apprehensions and escalating the issue to a national level? We already have enough communal tensions in the country,” the actor-activist wrote.