Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party Chief Pawan Kalyan has reiterated his firm stand on Sanatana Dharma, while also taking on the negative comments by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin and Prakash Raj among others.

Taking to X Pawan Kalyan enunciated his family history with the southernmost state and his deep spiritual connection with Sanatana Dharma, “Tamil Nadu is a land of ‘Siddhars and Saints.’ My late father was an ardent devotee of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Saradha Maa & Swami Vivekananda. And he took kriya yoga deeksha from ‘Ranchi’ and he almost initiated all of us into kriya yoga. In late 80’s and early 90’s he used to visit Mahavatar Babaji ashram in Santhome , Chennai. And in Tiruvannamalai he used to do service to ‘ Yogi Ram Surat Kumar’ at regular intervals. For Culture and Bhakti traditions, Tamil Nadu, truly stands out and the land is abundantly blessed by many Siddhars and Saints.

The post comes as the row over the Tirupati Ladoo  adulteration rages on. The Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister even took on the unsavoury anti Hindu comments made by the DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, his counterpart from neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Pawan Kalyan vs Udhayanidhi

Speaking at the ‘Varahi Declaration’ the South superstar addressed Stalin’s comments, without taking any names, Kalyan asserted “Don’t say that Sanatana Dharma is like a virus, and it will be destroyed. Whoever said this let me tell you sir. You can not wipe out Sanatana Dharma. If anyone tries to wipe out Santana Dharma let me tell you from the feet of Lord Balaji you will be wiped out.”

The jab was undoubtedly directed at Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments in September last year, where Stalin had remarked that ‘sanatana dharma‘ is against the idea of social justice, going so far as comparing it to viral diseases like malaria and dengue, even declaring that “it must be eradicated and not opposed”.

Kalyan also stressed the need to bring in legislation at the national level to protect Sanatana Dharma and establish protection boards with annual yearly budgets at national and state levels. “I am an unapologetic Sanatani Hindu. Let me be very clear.” he said.

Kalyan also described the allegations of adulterated ghee in the laddoos as “the tip of the iceberg” of the five years of YSR Congress misrule, in which “we don’t know how many crores of rupees they collected (in bribes)”. This must be investigated further, he said.

Pawan Kalyan takes on Prakash Raj

Pawan Kalyan also clashed with Prakash Raj, in an interview with Oneindia, he expressed disappointment over Prakash Raj’s remarks. Although he acknowledged his respect for Prakash Raj as an actor, Kalyan felt Raj’s comments were unnecessary. “We differ on political aspects, but as an actor, I respect him. However, there was no need for him to comment on this matter,” he said.

Pawan Kalyan also criticized what he called selective outrage by self-proclaimed secularists like Prakash Raj. He questioned why Raj had not spoken out about atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh but chose to comment on Hindu-related issues. “Secularists like him find it easy to criticize Hindu society but are reluctant to comment on other religions,” Kalyan remarked.

The Jane Sena Party Chief were in response to Prakash Raj’s comments where he had indicated that people should stop talking about the Ladoo and Hindu issues. Prakash Raj had taken this opportunity to take a jibe at the Andhra Pradesh leader, Raj is a known leftist who is regularly in the dock for mocking Hindu sentiments.

Varahi Declaration

Meanwhile the Jana Sena Chief took time out to visit the Tirumala temple last week, accompanied by his daughters. Kalyan took the three-day visit to the temple as part of his 11-day penance to atone for the sins committed by the previous YSRCP regime at Tirumala.

Post the pilgrimage Pawan Kalyan unveiled the Varahi Declaration on October 3, after performing rituals at the Sri Venkateswara Temple. Kalyan addressed a massive crowd at Jyotirao Phule Circle in Tirupati from his iconic ‘Varahi’ campaign vehicle.

The Varahi Declaration, according to the Andhra Deputy CM, is not just a political movement but a mission aimed at defending the cultural and religious heritage of Andhra Pradesh. “About 14 months back, when VARAHI first hit the roads, it was more than just a movement, it was a call to action,” Kalyan declared.

“Varahi is not just a yatra, it represents the spirit of our culture and the unwavering commitment to protect our state. Now, Varahi returns for a much bigger mission. The mission is to echo the voice of millions who wish to bring Sanatana Dharma Raksha Board to life,” he said.

Proposals in the Varahi declaration

The Varahi Declaration outlines several key points aimed at protecting Sanatana Dharma: The document stresses that secularism should be applied uniformly to ensure equal protection for all religions. Calling for a national act that specifically defends Sanatana Dharma against actions or statements that harm its core beliefs. This legislation would ensure uniform enforcement throughout India.

It also advocates for the creation of Sanatana Dharma Protection Boards at both the national and state levels responsible for the implementation of this act and safeguarding the faith’s interests. The declaration asks for disengagement with individuals or groups that promote hatred or defame Sanatana Dharma. A Sanatana Dharma Certification would be introduced to ensure the purity and authenticity of materials used in temple rituals, such as offerings and prasadam.

Finally, Kalyan’s vision extends beyond religious protection—he envisions temples evolving into centers of art, education, economy, and environmental conservation, playing a key role in the broader cultural and social welfare of society.