Prakash Raj Slams Pawan Kalyan Over Tirupati Laddoo Row: 'Have Enough Communal Tensions In Country'

The controversy over adulteration in the ghee used to make laddoos at Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati Temple has spiraled into a spat between actor-politician Pawan Kalyan and Prakash Raj.

The issue began when concerns emerged regarding the alleged use of animal fat, including fish oil, pork fat, and beef fat, in the ghee used for the temple's prasadam.

Photo Credit: PTI

Pawan Kalyan raised the alarm, calling for accountability from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board, which was formed under the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government.

He voiced his concerns on social media, stating, "Maybe the time has come to constitute a 'Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board' at a national level to look into all the issues related to temples in Bharath. A debate has to happen at a national level by all the policymakers, religious heads, judiciary, citizens, media, and all others in their respective domains. I think we all should come together to put an end to the desecration of 'Sanatana Dharma' in any form."

However, Kalyan's remarks drew criticism from actor Prakash Raj, who felt the matter was being exaggerated and turned into a national issue unnecessarily.

Raj responded, urging Kalyan to focus on a local investigation rather than stir communal tensions.

"Dear Pawan Kalyan, it has happened in a state where you are a Deputy Chief Minister. Please investigate and find out the culprits and take stringent action. Why are you spreading apprehensions and blowing up the issue nationally? We have enough communal tensions in the country. (Thanks to your friends in the Centre), " Raj posted.

The situation escalated when the TTD confirmed lab results backing claims that animal fat, including lard (pig fat), had been found in the ghee used for the laddoos.

The TTD blacklisted the supplier of the adulterated ghee and initiated legal action. This revelation triggered widespread outrage, leading to further political tensions.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took the opportunity to criticize the previous YSRCP-led administration, accusing it of allowing the use of substandard ghee that compromised the sanctity of the temple prasadam.

He also announced that his government had replaced the previous supplier with Karnataka's Nandini brand to ensure the purity of the laddoos moving forward.

In contrast, YSRCP president Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed these allegations, labeling them as "diversion politics."

He accused Naidu of fabricating the controversy to shift focus away from his own government's failures within its first 100 days in office.

The controversy has drawn attention at the national level, with Union Health Minister JP Nadda requesting a detailed report from the Andhra Pradesh government. Additionally, Food Minister Pralhad Joshi called for an investigation to address the allegations.

As the debate continues to unfold, both sides have continued to point fingers, making the controversy over the Tirupati laddoos a focal point of political and religious discourse in the state.