Tirupati Laddu Row: Pawan Kalyan Calls for National Sanatana Dharma Protection Board

Amidst a controversy surrounding alleged non-vegetarian ingredients in Tirupati laddus, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has called for the establishment of a “Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board” at the national level.

In a statement on X, Kalyan expressed deep concern over the allegations, stating, “This incident highlights the need for a dedicated body to protect and safeguard the sanctity of our religious institutions and practices.” He emphasized the importance of addressing concerns related to temple desecration, land issues, and other dharmic practices. Sharing his strong feelings, Pawan posted “We are all  deeply disturbed with the findings of animal fat (fish oil,pork fat and beef fat )mixed  in Tirupathi Balaji Prasad. Many questions to be answered by the TTD board constituted by YCP Govt then. Our Govt is committed to take stringent action possible. But,this throws light on many issues surrounding desecration of temples ,its  land issues and other dharmic practices.

Many be 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 entire Bharath. A debate has to happen at a National level by all the policy makers, religious heads, judiciary,citizens,media and all others in their respective domains. think we all should come together to put an end to desecration of ‘Sanathana Dharma’ in anyform “

Pawan Kalyan’s call for the board comes after the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alleged that the Tirupati laddus, a sacred offering to the Tirumala Venkateswara temple, contained “beef tallow,” “pig lard,” and fish oil, according to a Gujarat laboratory report.

The TDP has accused the previous YSR Congress government, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, of being responsible for the alleged contamination. Several TDP leaders have termed the incident an insult to the Hindu religion, citing the consumption of meat as against the religious beliefs of many.

Supreme Court lawyer Vineet Jindal has filed a complaint in court against the home ministry, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, TTD officials, and a ghee contractor, alleging the use of non-vegetarian ingredients in the laddus.

Pawan Kalyan has vowed to take stringent action against those involved and ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. He believes that a national-level board will facilitate discussions between policymakers, citizens, and the judiciary to address religious desecration concerns effectively.

The controversy has sparked outrage among devotees and ignited a political debate in Andhra Pradesh. The creation of a national “Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board” is likely to be a contentious issue, with potential implications for religious freedom and the separation of church and state.