Pawan Kalyan’s Explosive Remarks on Sanatana Dharma and YCP: Calls for Action to Protect Hindu Temples

In a recent public address, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and prominent actor-politician Pawan Kalyan made several pointed comments regarding the state of Hindu temples and Sanatana Dharma in Andhra Pradesh. His remarks have sparked significant attention, particularly in the context of growing concerns over temple desecrations and religious tolerance under the YSR Congress Party (YCP) government.Pawan Kalyan emphasized his deep-rooted connection with Sanatana Dharma, stating, *”Our family has followed Sanatana Dharma from a young age and we are great devotees of Lord Anjaneya.”* He asserted that India has historically treated all religions equally but accused the YCP of turning a blind eye to the desecration of Hindu temples. He took a strong stance on the issue, declaring that his loyalty lies in protecting the values of Sanatana Dharma.One of his key targets was Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, the MLA from Tirupati, whom Kalyan accused of creating unnecessary drama at Tirumala, the sacred hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara. He questioned YV Subbareddy, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman, asking if the necessary records for an investigation had been provided. Kalyan challenged Subbareddy, stating, *”YV Subbareddy should be ready for investigation. I have seen how Dharma Reddy acted according to his will when I went for darshan.”* He further criticized the TTD officials, particularly highlighting an incident where rules were allegedly broken for personal reasons.While clarifying that his criticisms were not aimed directly at Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Kalyan expressed frustration over what he saw as an imbalance in how different religious communities are treated in the state. *”I am not blaming YS Jagan, but if something is wrong, we must admit it. Are we playing games with Tirumala? There is all the evidence,”* he said, hinting at deeper issues within the administration of temple affairs.Kalyan also took aim at YCP leaders who criticize him for speaking out, warning them to be prepared for a “fight of any kind.” He further questioned the silence of YCP on issues related to Hindus while challenging them to display true secularism by standing up for all religions. *”Secularism cannot come from one side alone. It has to come from all sides,”* he remarked.In a fiery critique, Pawan Kalyan said that while Hindus have been insulted, the same treatment wouldn’t be tolerated if it happened to mosques or churches. He urged fellow Hindus to resist such insults, adding that those who ridicule Hinduism will face the consequences. Kalyan specifically called out YCP leaders like Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy, accusing them of making baseless statements, and hinted that some were speaking under the influence of alcohol.The actor-politician’s remarks also extended to Prakash Raj, a vocal critic of the BJP and Hindutva politics. Kalyan questioned Raj’s involvement in discussions about Hinduism, implying that outsiders shouldn’t meddle in religious matters they don’t understand.In a powerful conclusion to his speech, Kalyan called for the establishment of a *Sanatana Dharma Protection Board* and expressed his readiness to “die for Sanatana Dharma.” He encouraged movie fans and film industry members to either speak up in defense of Hinduism or stay silent, criticizing those who mock the faith. *”Hindus are soft people, that’s why they are being mocked,”* he said, urging unity in the face of challenges.Pawan Kalyan’s remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate over religious harmony, temple safety, and political accountability in Andhra Pradesh.