Charging at the previous YSRCP regime for alleged temple attacks, Pawan Kalyan asked people to come forward to protect Sanatana dharma.
Published Oct 03, 2024 | 11:54 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 04, 2024 | 10:27 AM
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Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan shifted his focus from the recent allegations of adulteration in the famous Tirupati laddu, labelling it as merely the “tip of the iceberg.” His remarks came on Thursday, October 3, following the Supreme Court’s statement indicating a lack of evidence to substantiate the charges.
During his address at the Varahi Sabha in Tirupati, which followed his 11-day Prayaschitta Deeksha (penance) at the Tirumala Tirupati temple, Kalyan expressed his strong commitment to Sanatana dharma.
He emphasised the necessity for legislation to protect it across the country, proposing the establishment of a board with annual budget allocations to ensure the quality of ingredients used in temple prasadam (offerings).
He also voiced his hope that temples would become centres for environmental welfare and protection.
Pawan Kalyan claimed that Lord Ram was the face of Sanatana dharma, while Lord Venkateswara represents it in the current Kali Yuga. He expressed dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court for allegedly siding with individuals who offend Sanatana dharma.
Criticising courts for ‘favouring’ other religions, Andhra Pradesh Dy CM claimed that courts often protect those who criticise Sanatana dharma while being harsh on its followers.
Dwelling at length about how rituals at temples allegedly came under attack under the previous YSRCP dispensation, Pawan Kalyan said that he was ready to forsake anything in aid and support of Sanatana dharma.
“When I began talking about Sanatana dharma, pseudo secularists made fun of me. A disturbing trend on the rise is that we are expected to keep quiet if anyone criticises our dharma. But would those who practise other religions keep quiet if we utter one word against their religion?” he asked, in an obvious dig at actor Prakash Raj for raising questions about his motives for taking up Sanatana dharma cause.
He warned those who make light of Sanatana dharma and appealed to the people to see that those who got 11 seats in the last Assembly elections (YSRCP) should be restricted to only one in the next elections. He asked why one should keep quiet even in the face of an attack on sanatana dharma.
Pawan Kalyan insisted that YSRCP explain what actions it took during its governance to address the attacks on temples, asserting that the party committed numerous atrocities during its tenure, including disrespecting judges from the High Court and Supreme Court.
He issued a stern warning to YSRCP leaders, stating that those who attack Sanatana dharma would face dire consequences and that “Sanatana dharma is indestructible, no matter how many demons try to annihilate it.”
Calling on people to teach a lesson to those who harm Sanatana dharma, he made a veiled reference to the alleged campaign against him. Addressing the allegation that his Sanatana dharma deeksha had a hidden agenda to further his political interests, Pawan Kalyan asked what need he had to dabble in politics behind the facade of Sanatana dharma now.
“There is still time, maybe about four years from now to take to politics. I am raising my voice against the undermining of the Sanatana dharma values in the Tirumala temple. How can I remain a mute spectator when an act of desecration happens at Tirumala temple? Is it always for political benefit whenever we open our mouths? I had never thought a day would come in my life where I had to speak about the need to protect Sanatana dharma,” he said.
The Jana Sena chief said that he came to Tirupati only to pick up a quarrel with those who are acting against Sanatana dharma.
“I did not come here as Jana Sena chief or as deputy chief minister. I came here as a Hindu and as an Indian citizen. Do we have to bite the bullet and remain quiet when those who are inimical to Hindu dharma speak ill about us? This is all because we lack unity. We have reached a stage where we are afraid of talking about our own religion.”
He said that he was only questioning the decisions taken by the TTD board when the YSRCP was in power. “It came to my notice that when YV Subba Reddy was the chairman of the TDP, they floated what had come to be known as Srivari Trust and collected ₹10,000 and used to give receipt of ₹500 for providing darshan to the devotees. Adulteration of ghee meant for laddus is not a small issue. When I sought inquiry into the adulteration, you are attributing political motives to me,” he said and maintained that Lord Venkateswara would punish those who had sinned against him.
He also wondered where former Executive Officer Dharma Reddy was. “Why is he missing? Why is it that he does not speak up? How can you have one as EO who does not follow the religious practices of the temple?” he asked.
(Edited by Neena)
