Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan’s recent shift toward positioning himself as the ‘protector of Sanatan Dharma’ has sparked widespread interest and speculation. While some critics may dismiss it as a political maneuver, I believe it stems from a deeper, more personal conviction. In my view as an analyst, Kalyan’s emotional and straightforward nature sets him apart from other Telugu film stars.
This sincerity and lack of hypocrisy, as testified by many of his close associates, demonstrate that he is genuinely committed to his beliefs. Unlike some political figures who merely perform to gain favour, Pawan Kalyan walks the talk, driven by a strong sense of duty to causes he truly believes in.
The controversy over the alleged adulteration of the sacred Srivari Laddu at Tirumala, a prasadam offered to devotees of Lord Venkateswara, has ignited a fire in Kalyan. His vehement reaction to the insensitive remarks made by fellow actors and political figures has led to a perception that he is aiming for political gain. However, this assumption overlooks the personal motivations behind his outburst. His close friends vouch that this issue has struck a personal chord with him as a devout Hindu.
Pawan Kalyan’s response to derogatory comments made by actors like Prakash Raj is not unexpected. Raj, who has been vocal in his criticism of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, represents a faction of the entertainment industry that frequently takes a secular or anti-establishment stance. However, his comments on Hinduism have drawn ire from several quarters, particularly from Pawan Kalyan, who believes that Hindu deities and traditions should not be treated with disrespect.
Kalyan’s frustration is not rooted in a desire to expand his political influence. Instead, it seems to be an emotional reaction to what he perceives as a constant barrage of insults toward Hindu culture. His decision to gather thousands of his followers at Tirumala to take an oath to defend Hindu beliefs is a clear indication of his intent to rally the hurt Hindu masses. This is not a ploy to curry favour with the electorate but a reflection of the simmering discontent among the faithful, who feel that their religion is being unfairly targeted.
The Srivari Laddu controversy, while initially dismissed by some as a minor issue, has taken on significant legal and religious overtones. The accusation that the prasadam had been adulterated with animal fat and fish oil shocked devotees and added fuel to the growing unrest among Hindus who feel their faith is being disrespected. The matter escalated to such a degree that the Supreme Court intervened, ordering a Special Investigative Team (SIT) to probe the allegations.
For many Hindus, the adulteration of the prasadam is not just a legal matter but a symbolic violation of their religious sanctity. Pawan Kalyan, in his role as a defender of Sanatan Dharma, appears to be reacting to this deep-seated hurt. His call for unity among Hindus and his insistence that such offenses must no longer be tolerated resonate with the sentiment of a significant portion of the population.
Pawan Kalyan’s actions must also be viewed against the backdrop of the broader political environment in India. The opposition, especially the Congress-led INDI Alliance, has often been accused of pandering to minority communities for political gain, particularly through policies that are seen as appeasement. At the same time, these political groups frequently criticize the BJP for aligning itself with Hindu interests. This double standard is what Kalyan, and many others, find frustrating. While Muslim appeasement policies are openly practiced, any show of Hindu pride or protection is often labelled as communalism.
The uproar over Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud’s residence for Ganesh Puja is another example of this hypocrisy. Critics argued that Modi’s acceptance of the invitation was a breach of secular principles, yet they conveniently overlook similar events where political leaders have participated in religious functions of other communities. This selective outrage only adds to the perception that Hinduism is being unfairly targeted.
Pawan Kalyan’s decision to take a stand for Sanatan Dharma also reflects the changing landscape of Indian politics. Increasingly, leaders who align themselves with the majority’s religious sentiments are gaining popularity. Kalyan’s emotional connection to the issue, combined with his straightforward approach, positions him as a new kind of leader – one who is not afraid to speak out on behalf of the religious majority, even if it means ruffling feathers within his own industry and political circles.
His reaction to Udhayanidhi Stalin’s controversial remarks comparing Hinduism to diseases like dengue and malaria is another case in point. While Kalyan admitted that he had initially refrained from commenting, the Srivari Laddu scandal became a tipping point for him. He decided that it was time to take a stand and declare that the majority of Hindus would no longer tolerate such disrespectful acts or remarks.
Pawan Kalyan’s call for a movement to protect Hinduism is not just a political statement; it is a reflection of a broader sentiment among Hindus who feel that their religion is under constant attack. It also poses a challenge to Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar, a devout Hindus, to join him in defending Hinduism adds weight to his message. His words resonate with many ordinary Hindus who feel that their leaders, including prominent public figures, have been silent for too long.
Thus far, Pawan Kalyan’s new role as the protector of Sanatan Dharma, in my opinion, should not be dismissed as a mere political stunt. His emotional connection to the issue, combined with the ongoing Srivari Laddu controversy, has motivated him to take a firm stand. While his actions may be controversial, they reflect a growing demand among the Hindu majority for leaders who will unapologetically defend their faith. Whether this will translate into political gains remains to be seen, but for now, Pawan Kalyan appears determined to lead the charge
