Tamil actor Karthi’s comment on the recent Tirupathi laddu controversy had irked Andhra Pradesh deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.
While attending an event in Hyderabad on Monday, Karthi, on asked about the Tirupati prasadam controversy, reacted by saying, "we should not talk about the laddu now as it's a sensitive topic."
#WATCH | Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan performs purification ritual at Kanaka Durga Temple, as part of his 11-day 'Prayaschitta Diksha, over the alleged adulteration of the Tirumala's Laddu Prasadam. pic.twitter.com/BElSdj2eLB
— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2024
Pawan Kalyan had expressed displeasure over Karthi's comment and said that if individuals from the film industry wish to discuss the matter, they should either support it or choose not to comment at all.
While talking to the media on Tuesday, Pawan emphasised that the matter is of significant concern.
Dear @PawanKalyan sir, with deep respects to you, I apologize for any unintended misunderstanding caused. As a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear. Best regards.
— Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) September 24, 2024
Pawan was questioned by the press about Karthi's comments when he had arrived at a temple in Vijayawada, as he was observing an 11-day-long 'prayaschitta diksha', penance to propitiate the deity following allegations of the use of adulterated ghee.
Dear @Karthi_Offl garu,
— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) September 24, 2024
I sincerely appreciate your kind gesture and swift response, as well as the respect you've shown towards our shared traditions. Matters concerning our sacred institutions, like Tirupati and its revered laddus, carry deep emotional weight for millions of…
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Soon after Pawan's remarks, Karthi posted an apology on social media. "I apologize for any unintended misunderstanding caused," he wrote.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had accused the usage of ingredients including fish oil and beef tallow in the ghee used to prepare Tirupati laddu prasadams during Jagan Mohan Reddy's term.
Lab results confirmed the presence of these ingredients, leading to the cancellation of contracts with companies supplying ghee to the temple.
The Tirupati laddu controversy sparked reactions from across states. After the controversy erupted in Andhra Pradesh, the Mankameshwar temple in Uttar Pradesh has now banned offerings of 'prasad' bought by devotees from outside.
In order to check the purity of the prasadams and bhogs, Rajasthan announced a drive from September 23 to 26 in all temples across the state. Karnataka had already mandated the testing of temple prasadam and specified the use of only Nandini ghee for the preparation.
Meanwhile, YSRC chief Jagan Mohan Reddy refuted Naidu’s claims and accused him of spreading lies. Reddy had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention in the matter.
