TIRUPATI: Jana Sena chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan issued a stern warning to Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over the latter’s controversial remarks on Sanatana Dharma. Launching the “Varahi Declaration” in Tirupati on Thursday, he took offence to Udhayanidhi comparing Sanatana Dharma with diseases like coronavirus, malaria and dengue.
Significantly, he delivered parts of his speech in Tamil, with one stating, “People who seek to destroy Sanatana Dharma will themselves get destroyed.”
The Deputy CM declared himself a proud Sanatani Hindu. “I respect Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and all other faiths. But I am an unapologetic Sanatani,” he stated.
At the event in Tirupati, Pawan Kalyan unveiled his Varahi Declaration, aimed at safeguarding Sanatana Dharma. He proposed the formation of a Sanatana Dharma Protection Board both at the national and state levels to preserve Sanatana Dharma.
He expressed particular concern over distribution of laddus made with adulterated ghee at Tirumala, which had been later sent to Ayodhya.
1. Secularism must be upheld in a manner that ensures a uniform response to any threat or harm caused to any religion or faith.
2. A strong National Act is required to protect Sanatana Dharma and prevent actions that harm its beliefs. This Act should be enacted immediately and uniformly enforced across the nation.
4. Annual funds must be allocated to support this board and its activities.
5. There should be non-cooperation with individuals or organisations that defame or spread hatred against Sanatana Dharma.
6. A Sanatana Dharma Certification must be implemented to ensure the purity of materials used in offerings and prasadam at temples.
7. Temples should evolve not only as spiritual centres but also as centres for promoting art, culture, education, economic growth, environmental conservation, and welfare through comprehensive planning.