Pawan Kalyan says former Andhra Chief Minister Jagan Reddy responsible for ‘contamination’ of Tirupati Laddu Prasadam

Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) (India), September 24 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday held former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy responsible for the ‘contamination’ of the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam.

Kalyan said he was ready to die for Sanatana Dharma and would have no restrictions in the country if he had to fight for it.

“I don’t know whether YV Subbareddy and Karunakar Reddy converted to Christianity and I didn’t bother about it and during your (Jagan Mohan Reddy) regime, a board was set up and you are responsible and liable for this contamination. We are raising these issues only after receiving reports,” Pawan Kalyan said here.

YV Subbareddy and Karunakar Reddy held the post of President of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams during the previous YSRCP government.

“Secularism is a two-way issue and must come from all directions. It is unacceptable for Hindus to abuse each other. I am not criticising Christianity or Islam. If there is a contamination in a mosque or a church, will you remain silent and not protest?” he added.

Kalyan also criticised film actor Prakash Raj for questioning his secular credentials.

“I talk about the sanctity of Hinduism and issues like food adulteration. Why shouldn’t I talk about these issues? I respect you, Prakash Raj, and when it comes to secularism, it should be mutual. I don’t understand why you are criticising me. Shouldn’t I speak out against attacks on Sanatana Dharma? Prakash should learn a lesson from this. The film industry and others should not take this issue lightly; I take Sanatana Dharma very seriously. Many critics have targeted Ayyappa and Goddess Saraswati. Sanatana Dharma is of utmost importance. Every Hindu should take responsibility in this regard. If similar issues arise in other religions, there would be widespread unrest,” he said.

Kalyan arrived at the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada on Tuesday morning to perform a purification ritual as part of his 11-day ‘Prayaschitta Diksha’ to atone for the alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati Laddu Prasadam.

“Today marks the third day of Prayashchitta Diksha. Since my childhood, I have been a follower of Sanatana Dharma and a devotee of Sri Ram and proud to be a Hindu. During the Vijayanagara dynasty, Arab builders sought permission to build mosques and we built a temple next to them,” he said.

The row comes days after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus, the prasdam offered at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, during the previous YSRCP government. (ANI)