The ongoing dispute between Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and actor Prakash Raj has escalated once again, focusing on the alleged adulteration of the famous Tirupati laddoos.
Pawan Kalyan, leader of the Jana Sena party and part of the ruling coalition in both Andhra Pradesh and the central government, has raised concerns regarding the presence of animal fats—specifically beef tallow, fish oil, and pig fat—in the ghee used for the laddoos. These allegations were originally brought to light by former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu during the YSR Congress government’s tenure under Jagan Mohan Reddy.
In response to Kalyan’s statements, Prakash Raj criticized him for attempting to incite communal tensions instead of addressing the issue. Raj pointed out that as a member of the ruling government, Kalyan should focus on resolving the matter rather than making inflammatory comments.
On Tuesday, Kalyan visited the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada to perform a purification ritual as part of his 11-day penance for the adulteration allegations. He expressed his disappointment at Raj’s questioning of his secular values. 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.” He emphasized the importance of Sanatana Dharma and encouraged all Hindus to take responsibility regarding these issues.
In a video posted on social media platform X, Raj stated that he felt misinterpreted by Kalyan and promised to respond to his comments upon returning to India after his current filming commitments. He wrote, “Dear Pawan Kalyan garu, I saw your press meet. What I have said and what you have misinterpreted is surprising. I will come back to reply to your questions.”
On September 20, Kalyan took to X to demand answers from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the board managing the Tirupati temple. He expressed concern over the findings of animal fats in the offerings and suggested forming a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at the national level to address issues related to temples across India. He remarked, “We should all come together to put an end to desecration of ‘Sanatana Dharma’ in any form.”
In response to Kalyan’s statements, Prakash Raj advised him to refrain from “spreading apprehensions” and suggested a more constructive approach to the situation.
“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.
