Tirupati Laddu Controversy Sparks Heated Exchange Between Pawan Kalyan and Prakash Raj

The ongoing controversy surrounding the famed Tirupati Laddu has escalated tensions between actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan and renowned actor Prakash Raj. The spat ignited after Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan suggested the establishment of a "Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board" to address issues related to temples nationwide.

In his post on X, Kalyan emphasized the need for a national debate involving policymakers, religious leaders, and the public to safeguard “Sanatana Dharma” from perceived desecration. “The time has come to constitute a board at a national level to look into all the issues related to temples in Bharath,” he stated.

Prakash Raj responded sharply, accusing Kalyan of amplifying a regional issue into a national controversy. He called for decisive action against those responsible for alleged adulteration in the Tirupati laddu but criticized Kalyan for creating unnecessary panic. “Why are you spreading apprehensions and blowing up the issue nationally? We have enough communal tensions in the country,” Raj posted.

Kalyan, angered by Raj’s comments, retorted, “Enough of this! It might be fun for you, not for us. We are extremely hurt. Don’t make a mockery out of our sentiments.” He further emphasized that Raj needed to respect the sensitivities surrounding Sanatana Dharma.

The controversy erupted following claims made by former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu , alleging that the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government permitted the use of substandard ingredients, including animal fat, in the preparation of the iconic laddu. Although the YSRCP and its leader, Jagan Mohan Reddy, denied these allegations, lab tests reportedly detected “lard” and fish oil in the samples.

In light of the escalating situation, CM Naidu announced that all temples in the state would undergo sanitization, aiming to restore public confidence in the sanctity of temple offerings.

Currently, Kalyan is on an 11-day "Praschit Deeksha" (penance) in Guntur, focusing on the alleged adulteration and planning to seek blessings at Tirumala post-deeksha to cleanse the past sins he attributes to previous administrations.

Prakash Raj later clarified that his statements had been misinterpreted and indicated his intent to respond more thoroughly once he returns from shooting abroad. “I will come back to reply to your questions,” he wrote, urging Kalyan to reconsider his understanding of Raj’s earlier comments.