TIRUPATI: Jana Sena Party Chief and Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan called for the urgent enactment of a law to protect Sanatana Dharma and the formation of a Sanatana Dharma Protection Board at both the national and state levels, with annual funding to ensure its effective operation.
Speaking at the ‘Varahi Sabha’ in Tirupati on Thursday, Pawan Kalyan outlined key points from JSP’s ‘Varahi Declaration’. He emphasized that secularism should be upheld in a way that guarantees a consistent response to threats against any religion.
The JSP chief also introduced the idea of a ‘Sanatana Dharma Certification’ to ensure the purity of materials used for offerings and prasadam at temples, maintaining strict spiritual standards. He advocated for a strategy of non-cooperation with individuals or organizations that spread hatred or harm Sanatana Dharma.
Law Weaker for the Strong, Stronger for the Weak: Pawan Kalyan
He stressed the importance of a unified voice, transcending linguistic and political differences, to promote Sanatana Dharma. While expressing respect for other religions, Pawan Kalyan underscored the core principle of unity in diversity in India. He also proposed reimagining temples as centers for not only spiritual practices but also for promoting art, culture, education, economic development, environmental conservation, and community welfare, urging a comprehensive plan to transform these institutions into hubs for societal growth.
Pawan Kalyan described Lord Rama as the embodiment of Dharma and Lord Venkateswara as its representative in the current era. He expressed frustration over the ridicule he faces for his beliefs and practices. Indirectly responding to Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments comparing Sanatana Dharma to a virus, he accused ‘pseudo-secularists’ of suppressing Hindu voices under the guise of secularism and criticized the growing hostility towards Sanatana Dharma and Hindu deities. “Would it be the same if it was Islam or Christianity?" he questioned.
He criticized the judicial system’s failure to take action against attacks on Sanatana Dharma, arguing that the law seems to favor the strong while being harsher on the weak. He observed that being part of the majority does not necessarily equate to strength, calling attention to the double standards of secularism as practiced by some.
Calling for Hindu unity, Pawan Kalyan lamented that caste and regional divisions have weakened the community’s collective power. He criticized the previous state government for failing to address the injustices faced by the Hindu community, warning that those who threaten Sanatana Dharma should now proceed with caution.
Criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks
He expressed outrage at Rahul Gandhi’s comments comparing the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to "Nach Gana" (song and dance), urging Hindus not to take offense. He criticized Gandhi for seeking Hindu votes while showing disrespect for their beliefs. "You (Rahul Gandhi) want the votes of all Sanatana Hindus to gain power, yet you disrespect Lord Rama," Pawan Kalyan remarked.
He likened attempts to extinguish Sanatana Dharma to trying to destroy the Himalayas with a gun, deeming such efforts futile.
Concerns Over Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Mismanagement
Pawan Kalyan also raised concerns over past mismanagement within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), questioning the integrity of former board members and expressing doubts about how former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy was cleared in the Srivani Trust controversy without a thorough investigation.
He also criticized the YSRC government for its handling of attacks on temples and accused it of committing numerous injustices over the past five years, including disrespecting the judiciary. He clarified that his criticisms were not directed at former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy personally but at the actions of the YSRC government during his tenure.
In conclusion, Pawan Kalyan urged people to prioritize the well-being of the state over political agendas, stating that he never expected to speak so passionately in his lifetime. He reaffirmed his belief that if Dharma is protected, it will, in turn, protect the people.