Pawan Kalyan criticizes actor Karthi over remarks on Tirupati laddu, Karthi issues apology
Andhra Pradesh: After objections raised by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, actor Karthi issued an apology on September 24, for his remarks regarding the ongoing Tirupati laddu controversy. Karthi expressed regret through a post on X, stating, “Dear @PawanKalyan sir, with deep respects to you, I apologise for any unintended misunderstanding caused. As a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear.”
The controversy began after Karthi made a light-hearted comment about the laddu issue at the pre-release event of his film Sathyam Sundaram on September 23. When asked about a meme referencing laddus, he remarked, “Let’s not talk about laddus now. It is a sensitive topic,” alluding to allegations of adulteration involving the Tirupati laddus, which reportedly contain animal fat.
Pawan Kalyan, who is currently observing an 11-day deeksha for "penance," took issue with Karthi's comments, stating that such matters should not be ridiculed. “The film industry should either support Hindu causes or remain silent. Don’t make jokes about the laddu controversy,” he said after visiting the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada.
He also criticised actor Prakash Raj, who had advised against creating communal tensions over the issue. Pawan Kalyan responded, “When it comes to secularism, it’s a two-way street, not one way. Hindus are soft, so you say whatever you want. Would you dare speak the same way about Islam?”
The laddu controversy erupted on September 19 after the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam confirmed contaminants in the ghee used in laddu preparation.
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
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Modi to address four rallies in Bengal on Sunday
Kolkata (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address four public meetings across West Bengal on Sunday as the BJP intensifies its campaign ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Modi is scheduled to begin his tour with a rally in Bishnupur in Bankura district before heading to Purulia, Jhargram and then Medinipur, where he will address successive public meetings.
The rallies assume significance as the BJP seeks to consolidate its support base in the western and south-western districts of the state, regions where the saffron party had put up a strong performance in previous Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
The elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases -- on April 23 and 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.
