Pawan takes part in ‘Alaya Shudhi’ ritual at Kanaka Durga temple

Vijayawada: Deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan took part in ‘Alaya Shudhi' (temple cleaning) ritual at Kanaka Durga temple on Tuesday, as part of the Prayaschitta Deeksha and expressed strong disapproval over the remarks made by YSRCP leaders regarding the defilement of the sacred Tirumala laddu prasadam.
He condemned their ‘irresponsible' statements and accused them of pressurizing the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, appointed by then chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, even after lab reports confirmed irregularities.Pawan Kalyan emphasized that when mistakes are made, the focus should be on accountability and corrective action, rather than mockery or denial.
Pawan Kalyan urged Hindus to stand united in the defense of Sanatana Dharma. "Silence in the face of violations will destroy future generations," he warned. The temple steps were symbolically washed and purified during the event.
Interacting with the media, he reminded everyone that India is a land that respects all religions, but lamented the casual manner in which YSRCP leaders have handled sensitive issues related to Hindus. He recalled a previous instance involving the disappearance of silver lions from the Durga Temple, where YSRCP leaders made derogatory remarks, which he found painful.
Pawan Kalyan also questioned the double standards in secularism, asking why Hindu sentiments were treated lightly compared to other religious sensitivities. He noted that if such an incident occurred at a mosque or church, the reaction would have been far more severe, with leaders fearing public backlash. The deputy chief minister urged Hindus to speak up for their rights and religious beliefs.
At the event, Pawan Kalyan was welcomed with Purna Kumbh by temple authorities and Vedic scholars. He later visited the Shri Kanakadurgamma Ammavari temple, where he performed special pooja and received blessings from the Vedic scholars.