The DMK has retaliated sharply against the sharp criticism meted out by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan against Tamil Nadu Udhayanidhi Stalin, who had commented on ‘Sanatan Dharma’, igniting the political fire ahead of Lok Sabha polls. These comments came from Kalyan during his three-day visit to Tirumala. He is conducting an 11-day penance at Lord Venkateswara temple, which has been associated with a controversy over the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddus. The DMK retaliated by saying that Kalyan and his friends are resorting to playing politics with religion and dodging critical issues concerning millions.

DMK Acts Fast On Kalyan’s Damning Accusations

Just a day after Pawan Kalyan attacked Udhayanidhi Stalin for his comments on ‘Sanatan Dharma’, DMK spokesperson Dr. Syed Hafeezullah fired back, accusing Kalyan of exploiting religion for political mileage. “DMK does not talk about any religion. it is the BJP, TDP, and Pawan Kalyan who use religion and Hindu gods for political gains. They are the real enemies,” Hafeezullah said, as reported by NDTV. The DMK stated that the stance they have taken is absolutely against caste-based oppression and untouchability, and is never against any religious faith.

Pawan Kalyan Backs ‘Sanatan Dharma’ On Laddoo Row

Pawan Kalyan had arrived at Tirumala seeking religious penance and attempted to connect the controversy over the alleged adulteration of ghee in the sacred laddoos of Tirupati with his stand for ‘Sanatan Dharma.’ He presented this as an assault on ‘Sanatan Dharma’, citing the alleged use of animal fat in the laddoos as proof that it was not merely a question of adulteration of ghee in the sacred sweet dish.

More sharply, Kalyan condemned Udhayanidhi Stalin’s utterance likening ‘Sanatan Dharma’ to a virus to be eradicated. “Do not say that ‘Sanatan Dharma’ is like a virus. If anybody tries to eradicate ‘Sanatan Dharma’, you will be destroyed,” Kalyan declared at a public meeting in Tirumala. Going further, he advocated national legislation to protect ‘Sanatan Dharma’ and proposed the setting up of protection boards with adequate funding.

Also Read: Tirupati Laddu Row: Madras HC Directs FSSAI To Issue Supplementary Notice To AR Dairy

Political And Religious Tensions

Kalyan’s comment on ‘Sanatan Dharma’ and in keeping the tradition went against the politicians, mainly the DMK, which opposed him. The reaction came amidst the BJP’s earlier reaction to Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statement that had raised a major political row months before the general election. Clad in saffron with his pose of an unapologetic Sanatani Hindu, Kalyan vowed to protect the faith with his life.

The row intensified as Kalyan connected his religious campaign to the Tirupati laddoo scandal, alleging misrule and corruption by the ruling YSR Congress Party. The adulteration issue was just a “tip of the iceberg,” he stated, pointing to larger issues of mismanagement and even possible corruption in funds held by temples. However, Kalyan did not point fingers directly at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, focusing more on systemically designed issues.

DMK Agrees To Retain Stand On Religion And Caste

In its response, the DMK was prompt in its explanation of its stand. Dr. Syed Hafeezullah said that it is not against any religion but against caste practices and untouchability. “DMK will continue to oppose atrocities and untouchability irrespective of whatever name you give it,” he said. DMK Spokesperson claimed that the religious sentiments have been exploited by Kalyan and his supporters BJP and TDP to shift the focus of the public from policies that adversely affect millions.

Supreme Court Directs SIT On Tirupati Laddoo Issue

Amid all the political wrangling, it was the Supreme Court that came in and intervened into the Tirupati laddoo adulteration case by reconstituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The court emphasized that the probe must be conducted under the watchful eyes of the CBI Director and warned against reducing it into a political affair.
Also Read: Tirupati Laddu Row: SC Directs SIT To Include CBI Members, Says It Can’t Turn Matter Into Political Drama
Thereafter, the Supreme Court consisted a five-member bench of two police officers of Andhra Pradesh, two officials from the CBI, and one representative of FSSAI. The bench had also underlined that the matters of faith should not mingle with politics, and would not entertain political drama over the matter.

Controversy Around Laddoo Adulteration

Controversy over the use of ghee, allegedly containing animal fat ingredients such as fish oil and lard, in making the prasad of the revered Tirupati temple has snowballed into a political storm in a teacup. Already, the lab report from Gujarat that the Andhra Pradesh government had flagged suggested the presence of adulterants in the ghee, though that report carried a disclaimer that it would lead to a false positive result.

With the investigation still on and the furor surrounding the adulteration of laddoo, comments on ‘Sanatan Dharma’ by Pawan Kalyan only fuel the already politically charged nature of this period of Lok Sabha electioneering.