HYDERABAD: In a fervent address at the purification rituals held at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple in Vijayawada, Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party Chief Pawan Kalyan expressed his strong discontent with the YSR Congress Party’s (YSRCP) responses regarding the alleged contamination of the revered Tirumala laddu prasadam. He criticised YSRCP leaders for their “irresponsible” comments and called for accountability amidst the ongoing controversy.
Kalyan asserted, “The YSRCP leaders are speaking irresponsibly about the contamination in the preparation of the sacred Tirumala laddu prasadam.” He pointed to lab reports that confirmed mistakes made by the TTD Board appointed by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, emphasizing that rather than acknowledging these errors, YSRCP leaders resort to cover-ups. “When a mistake happens, one should either admit it or speak about the involvement of officials and board members at the time, rather than making arbitrary comments,” he insisted.
Highlighting the importance of unity among Hindus, Kalyan warned, “If Sanatana Dharma is harmed, all Hindus should come together and speak out. Silence will destroy future generations.” His call for collective action was echoed by the reverence he displayed during the purification rituals, where he cleaned the temple steps and sprinkled turmeric, seeking the blessings of Goddess Kanakadurga.
Read More: Andhra Pradesh: Chandrababu Naidu announces formation of SIT for Tirumala Laddu ghee probe
During his address to the media today, Kalyan stated, “This is a land where all religions, faiths, and beliefs are equally respected. If the sacred Tirumala laddu, which is revered by millions of Hindus, is contaminated, YSRCP leaders speak irresponsibly.” He recounted past incidents, such as the missing silver lions from the Durga temple, criticizing the YSRCP for mocking Hindu sentiments during such crises.
లౌకిక వాదం వన్ వే కాదు టూ వే
• సనాతన ధర్మానికి భంగం వాటిల్లితే కచ్చితంగా మాట్లాడతాము
• సనాతన ధర్మ పరిరక్షణకు ప్రాణాలిచ్చేందుకైనా సిద్ధం
• సనాతన ధర్మానికి హాని కలిగితే హిందువులందరూ కలసికట్టుగా మాట్లాడాలి… మౌనం మంచిది కాదు
• లడ్డూ అపవిత్రంపై వైసీపీవాళ్ళ మాటలు మరింత… pic.twitter.com/rXL75bQYgy
— JanaSena Party (@JanaSenaParty) September 24, 2024
Kalyan’s critique extended to the wider implications of the YSRCP’s actions, stating, “In this country, secularism is not one-way. It must work both ways. Just as they respond to disruptions to the practices and traditions of other religions, they must equally respond when Hindu sentiments, traditions, and dharma are harmed.” He questioned the fear surrounding the discussion of issues related to Islam, positing, “If such an incident occurred in a mosque or church, would they speak the same way?”
He further remarked on the need for respect across all faiths, stating, “Do Hindus not have the right to speak when something happens to them in this country? Should we remain silent and allow our religious beliefs and deities to be mocked while our sentiments are hurt?” Kalyan called for a reevaluation of what constitutes genuine secularism, pressing that Hindu sentiments should be treated with equal importance.
Kalyan did not hold back in his criticism of other public figures, referencing actor Prakash Raj: “I respect him greatly, but how can he say it’s wrong to speak when the sanctity of Sanatana Dharma is harmed?” He urged everyone, not just Raj, to understand the gravity of the situation before making public comments.
He also took aim at the remarks made by YSRCP leader Ponnam Volu Sudhakar Reddy, who had dismissed the contamination issue with a mocking comment. Kalyan expressed disappointment that such statements came from a fellow Hindu regarding a sacred prasadam, stating, “This kind of mockery regarding something as sacred as the laddu deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees.”
Pawan Kalyan concluded with a rallying cry for Hindus to unite: “Fear should have no place in this country, nor should hatred toward other religions. I bow to all Hindus and ask them to come forward. I will fight till the end to protect Sanatana Dharma, even if it means giving up my life.” He reiterated the importance of preserving Sanatana Dharma for future generations, insisting, “Silence should not lead to the destruction of our dharma.”
सनातन धर्म पर माननीय उपमुख्यमंत्री @PawanKalyan की प्रेस मीट के मुख्य बिंदु
कल, वकील पोन्नवोलु सुदाकर रेड्डी, जो @ysjagan से जुड़े हैं, ने तिरुमाला घटना के संबंध में गलत बयान दिए। यदि आप सही तरीके से जानकारी नहीं रखते हैं, तो बेहतर होगा कि चुप रहें। लेकिन यदि आप बेतुकी बातें… pic.twitter.com/bWJcltZr41
— JanaSena Party (@JanaSenaParty) September 24, 2024
The event, which saw Kalyan ceremonially welcomed with a full Kumbham by temple officials and Vedic scholars, was marked by his pledge to protect Hindu sentiments and uphold the dignity of Sanatana Dharma. As the controversy surrounding the Tirumala laddu continues, Kalyan’s statements resonate with many who seek equal respect for all faiths in India.
Reactions from Other Leaders
Following Kalyan’s speech, several political figures voiced their support. MP Kesineni Sivanath remarked, “YSRCP leaders belittle Hindu sentiments. The news of animal fat residues in the sacred laddu has hurt the sentiments of Hindus worldwide.” MP Vallabhaneni Balashouri emphasized the emotional connection devotees have with the laddu, while MLC Pidugu Hariprasad praised Kalyan’s commitment to maintaining tolerance while following Sanatana Dharma.
As discussions on the handling of Hindu sentiments by political leaders continue, Kalyan’s call for unity and respect among Hindus remains at the forefront of this ongoing dialogue.
