Maha polls: Pawan Kalyan accuses people in Hyderabad old city of criticizing Indian culture

Chandrapur: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said that the people of Hyderabad's old city have always criticized the Indian culture and its festivals.

However, followers of Sanatan Dharma have always respected everyone irrespective of their religion.

Addressing a rally in Ballarpur to campaign for Mahayuti candidate and BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, the actor-turned-politician said that the followers of Sanatan Dharma would respond to those disrespecting it. Janasena Party chief said Chhatrapati Shivaji and Bal Thackeray have inspired his organization.

Hailing the legendary Maratha king Shivaji and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, he said they united people. “My party was founded with the inspiration of Shivaji Maharaj and Balasaheb Thackeray,” Pawan Kalyan said.

Pawan Kalyan said he was glad to be in Ballarpur which provided teakwood for the Ayodhya Ram temple. “I’m here to appeal to the citizens to extend support for the development of Maharashtra and Sanatan Dharma, not for votes.”

"I have a special connection with Pune. I have a house here and my children studied here. I love this city," stated Pawan Kalyan.

The BJP ally said India is currently the fifth-largest economy in the world and the NDA government at the Centre is striving to take to the third position. “This march of progress should not be halted and everyone should cast their vote to elect the right candidate,” he said.

In Ballarpur, Mungantiwar is contesting against Congress’ Santoshsingh Chandansingh Rawat.

Pawan Kalyan also claimed that India won’t be strong without the support of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), recalling the Sangh’s work during floods in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore when he was in school.

“There are plenty of people who want to divide the country. However, we should be united to make India strong by respecting the local people and their culture,” he said.

The NDA government has focused on developing India as well as Maharashtra and connected every city with development projects, he said. NDA is also committed to making Maharashtra a $1 trillion economy by 2028, he said.

He also took part in a roadshow in Chandrapur in support of BJP candidate Kishore Jorgewar, who is pitted against Pravin Padwekar of Congress. Earlier, addressing a rally in Latur city on Saturday, Kalyan assured of efforts to launch air and rail services between Latur and Tirupati.

It may be noted that Kalyan had set up a new wing in the party 'Narasimha Varahi Ganam' to protect Sanatana Dharma.

Amid Laddu controversy at Tirumala temple, Pawan Kalyan called for the creation of a national-level Sanatan Dharma Rakshan Board. “I respect all religions, but I stand firm on my faith. Those who criticize Sanatana Dharma on social media or speak disrespectfully about it will have to face the consequences," said Pawan Kalyan during the announcement.

Plaint against Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan over remarks on residents of Old City in Hyderabad

A complaint was lodged with the police here against Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan over his remarks that the people of Old City (Hyderabad) have always criticised the Indian culture and the festivals of India.

In a post on ‘X’, an AIMIM activist tagging a media report on Pawan Kalyan’s comments requested Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand to register a case against the actor-politician, alleging that the remarks insulted Hyderabad residents, particularly those from the Old City.

Pawan Kalyan made those statements during an election rally in Maharashtra on Sunday, while highlighting the importance of “Sanatan Dharma”.

“The people of Old City (Hyderabad) have always criticised the Indian culture and the festivals of India. However, followers of Sanatan Dharma have always respected everyone irrespective of their religion. Followers of Sanatan Dharma, however, will respond to those who disrespect it,” said the Janasena Party chief at a rally in Ballarpur to campaign for Mahayuti candidate and BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar.

Following the complaint, the Hyderabad police said, “We are taking legal opinion on how to proceed further on this.”