AP Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and Actor Prakash Raj Clash Over Tirupati Laddu Controversy
Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 24: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and film actor Prakash Raj have engaged in a heated exchange over the alleged use of animal fat in the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam.
Pawan Kalyan’s Response
Pawan Kalyan visited the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada to perform a purification ritual as part of his 11-day ‘Prayaschitta Diksha’. During his visit, he criticized Prakash Raj for questioning his commitment to secularism. Kalyan emphasized the importance of addressing issues like food adulteration and the sanctity of Hinduism. He stated, “I respect you Prakash Raj, but 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 Raj’s Reply
Prakash Raj, who is currently abroad for a shoot, responded by saying he would address Kalyan’s questions upon his return. He urged Kalyan to review his earlier tweet for clarity. Raj stated, “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.”
Social Media Exchange
On September 20, Pawan Kalyan posted on social media about the Tirupati Prasadam controversy, calling for the establishment of a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at the national level. He expressed concerns about the alleged mixing of animal fat in the prasadam and called for stringent action. In response, Prakash Raj accused Kalyan of spreading communal tensions and urged him to investigate the issue locally instead of blowing it up nationally.
Doubts Revealed
AP -: AP stands for Andhra Pradesh, which is a state in the southern part of India.
Deputy CM -: Deputy CM means Deputy Chief Minister, who is the second-highest-ranking official in the state government.
Pawan Kalyan -: Pawan Kalyan is a famous actor and politician in Andhra Pradesh. He is also the Deputy Chief Minister of the state.
Prakash Raj -: Prakash Raj is a well-known Indian actor who works in many languages like Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi.
Tirupati Laddu -: Tirupati Laddu is a special sweet given as ‘Prasadam’ (holy offering) at the Tirupati temple, which is a famous Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh.
Prasadam -: Prasadam is food that is offered to a deity in Hindu temples and then distributed to the devotees.
Prayaschitta Diksha -: Prayaschitta Diksha is a religious penance or vow taken to seek forgiveness or purification.
Secularism -: Secularism means treating all religions equally and not favoring any one religion over others.
Sanatana Dharma -: Sanatana Dharma is another term for Hinduism, which means ‘eternal duty’ or ‘eternal order’.
Communal tensions -: Communal tensions refer to conflicts or disagreements between different religious or ethnic groups.
