Jana Sena Party president and Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, who has been maintaining a low profile in the government compared to aggressive politicking by Telugu Desam Party president and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has suddenly become active after the infamous Tirumala laddu adulteration episode.
Donning the role of a Hindutva champion, Pawan Kalyan took up a deeksha (penance) in protest against the destruction of sanctity in the Tirumala temple during the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy regime.
On Tuesday, the deputy chief minister took up a strange penance by washing the steps of Kanakadurga temple and conducting special prayers.
On this occasion, he fumed at senior actor Prakash Raj and Tamil hero Karthi for making non-serious comments on the Tirupati laddu episode.
Pawan Kalyan took serious exception to Prakash Raj’s comments that the Tirumala laddu issue was blowing out of proportions and it was against the secular principles of the country.
“Secularism is not one-way but it should be practised from all sides. How can it become objectionable if I talk about the insult to Hindu religious practices? Why shouldn’t I talk about assault on Hinduism?” he asked.
Stating that he had the utmost respect for Prakash Raj, Pawan Kalyan said the senior actor should not have made such comments.
He wondered what way Prakash Raj was affected when people raised the issue of adulteration of Tirumala laddu.
“I treat all religions with respect. I donated money to Madarsas. I often quote from the Holy Bible. In fact, I studied in a missionary school. But that doesn’t mean I should not talk about humiliation meted out to Hindu temples,” he said.
The Jana Sena Party chief also found fault with Tamil hero Karthi for making unnecessary comments on laddu during the pre-release function of the film – Satyam Sundaram on Monday. Apparently, Karthi made a simple comment when anchor asked him whether he wanted a laddu.
“Don’t raise laddu topic. It has become sensitive now,” he said.
Pawan Kalyan said Karthi should not have made such non-serious comments, which would only hurt the sentiments of the devotees.
“Everybody should respect Sanathana Dharma and think twice before making such comments,” he said.
He also lashed out at former advocate general Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy for belittling Tirumala laddu.
“Ponnavolu said pig fat is costlier than cow ghee and such costly fat cannot be mixed with ghee in making of laddus. How can he make such comments indicating that Tirumala laddu is a cheap commodity?” he asked.