Talking to ANI, Pawan said, “Why shouldn’t I speak on these matters? I respect you Prakash Raj, and when it comes to secularism, it should be mutual. I don’t understand why you are criticising me? Can’t I speak about the attack on Sanatan Dharma?”
While people are surprised by the news of the use of animal fat in the ‘laddu prasadam’ of Tirumala temple of Andhra Pradesh, now politics and controversies have gained momentum on this issue. The heat of this controversy has also fallen on the Telugu film industry. A war of words has intensified on this issue between Telugu film industry’s superstar and state Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and another South Indian superstar Prakash Raj.
Prakash Raj, in a post on social media ‘X’, tagged Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and said that since the incident took place in Andhra Pradesh and the Jana Sena chief is the Deputy Chief Minister there, he should find out the culprits and punish them before sensationalising and blowing the issue out of proportion at the national level.
Prakash Raj wrote on X, “Dear Pawan Kalyan… This happened in the state where you are the Deputy CM… Please investigate. Find the culprits and take strict action. Why are you creating apprehensions and sensationalism and raking up this issue at the national level… There is already enough communal tension in our country (because of your friends sitting in the Centre).”
Prakash Raj’s reaction came after a post by Pawan Kalyan surfaced. Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan had written on social media that people are extremely upset about the addition of animal fat (fish oil, pork fat and beef fat) in Tirupati Prasadam. He said that the TTD board formed by the previous YSR Congress government has to answer many questions, while the current government is committed to taking as strict action as possible. Kalyan has said that ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshan Board’ should be set up at the national level to protect the sanctity of Hindu temples.
Pawan Kalyan has hit back at Prakash Raj’s reaction and said that he is talking about the ‘sanctity of Hinduism and adulteration of food items’. Speaking to ANI, Pawan said, “Why should I not speak on these matters? I respect you Prakash Raj, and when it comes to secularism, it should be mutual. I don’t understand why you are criticising me? Can’t I speak about the attack on Sanatan Dharma? Prakash should learn this lesson. The film industry or anyone should not take this issue lightly, I am very serious about Sanatan Dharma.”
Pawan Kalyan did not stop here. He said that Sanatan Dharma is the most important for him and every Hindu should take responsibility in this matter. Pawan also said that if this had happened in any other religion, there would have been a huge movement. Prakash Raj has again reacted to this statement of Pawan Kalyan and said that he is currently out for shooting, so he will answer all Kalyan’s questions after returning to the country.