Tirupati Laddu row: Pawan Kalyan cleans steps at Kanakadurga temple in Vijayawada
VIJAYAWADA: Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan cleansed on Tuesday the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop the Indrakeeladri Hill in Vijayawada as part of his 11-day Prayaschitta Deeksha over alleged defiling of Tirupati laddu prasadam during the rule of previous YSRC government. As part of the cleansing ritual, he washed the temple’s steps with water and smeared vermilion and turmeric powder on them. He then offered special prayers and sought the blessings of the presiding deity Kanaka Durga.
Dy CM Pawan Kalyan speaking to media (Photo by arrangement)
Speaking to media at the temple later, Pawan Kumar launched a blistering attack against former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Board chairmen Y.V. Subba Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, apart from other YSRC leaders for speaking irresponsibly after information emerged that the ghee used in the making of laddu prasadam at the Tirumala Srivari temple during the previous YSRC government's tenure contained animal fat.
The Deputy CM said Subba Reddy and Karunakar Reddy had the responsibility of upholding the Hindu Dharma while being the chairmen of the temple board. “You are responsible for the defilement of the Laddu Prasadam during your term. We are questioning you following the evidence present in lab reports,” he pointed out. He maintained that the YSRC leaders are speaking irresponsibly when millions of Hindus, who consider the Tirumala Laddu prasadam holy and sacred, are concerned over the defilement of the laddu. “When a mistake is committed, admit it or stay away from it. But don't make unnecessary remarks against Sanatana Dharma,” Pawan warned.
He charged that hundreds of Hindu temples had been desecrated during the rule of previous YSRC government. “They even beheaded Lord Ram's idol in the Rama Theertham Temple,” he stated. The Deputy Chief Minister observed that secularism should be two-way. Individuals should respond in the same manner when violations of customs and traditions occur in any religion, he underlined.
He criticised actor Prakash Raj and advised him to know facts before responding. “I respect Prakash Raj garu; he is a good friend of mine. But how can he fault me when I raise my voice in defence of Sanatana Dharma? Will he speak like this if a similar incident happens at a mosque or a church?” Pawan asked.