<p>Tamil actor Karthi has apologised to Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, over his comment on the Tirupati laddoo row. Pawan Kalyan had lashed out at Karthi over the latter's remark over the controversy around the temple prasad.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>What did Karthi say?</strong><br />
<br />
On September 23, Karthi attended an event in Hyderabad during which the anchor showed a few memes, one of which was about laddoos. To which the actor reacted and said, "<em>Ippudu laddoo gurinchi maatladakodadu</em> (We should not talk about laddoo now), it's a sensitive topic <em>manakoddadi </em>(we don’t want)." The actor laughed off the matter of animal fat being used in the laddoos which did not go down well with many, including Pawan Kalyan.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Soon after, Pawan lashed out at the actor and said, "Don’t you dare say it is a sensitive issue or make jokes about the Tirupati Laddoo. I respect you as an actor, I urge everyone from the film fraternity to either support this fight or stay silent. I would request everyone to refrain from making unnecessary remarks."<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, Karthi issued a public apology to Pawan Kalyan and wrote, "Dear @PawanKalyan&nbsp;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."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/PawanKalyan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PawanKalyan</a> 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.</p>
— Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) <a href="https://twitter.com/Karthi_Offl/status/1838480559925870662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Pawan Kalyan responded to Karthi apology post and said he understood that the <em>Ponniyin Selvan</em> star did not make the remark intentionally. The Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh wrote on X, "Dear&nbsp;@Karthi_Offl&nbsp;&nbsp;garu,&nbsp;I sincerely appreciate your kind gesture and swift response, as well as the respect you've shown towards our shared traditions. Matters concerning our sacred institutions, like Tirupati and its revered laddus, carry deep emotional weight for millions of devotees, and it’s essential for all of us to handle such topics with care."</p>

<p>"That said, I wanted to bring this to your notice with no intentions behind it, and I understand the situation was unintentional. Our responsibility as public figures is to foster unity and respect, especially regarding what we cherish most—our culture and spiritual values. Let's always strive to uplift these values while continuing to inspire through cinema."</p>

<p>"I would also like to express my admiration for you as a remarkable actor whose dedication and talent have consistently enriched our cinema."</p>

<p>"Wishing you, @Suriya_offl &nbsp;garu, #Jyotika garu, and the entire team at @2D_ENTPVTLTD &nbsp;a successful release of #Meiyazhagan / #SathyamSundaram. May it resonate with audience and bring joy to many (sic)."<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan is observing an 11-day-long<em> prayaschitta diksha</em>, a purification ritual.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu previously accused the usage of substandard ingredients, including fish oil and beef tallow, in the ghee used to prepare Tirupati laddoo&nbsp;<em>prasadams</em> during Jagan Mohan Reddy's administration. Recent lab reports have confirmed the presence of animal fat in the laddoos which&nbsp;led to the cancellation of contracts with companies supplying ghee to the temple.</p>


Tamil actor Karthi has apologised to Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, over his comment on the Tirupati laddoo row. Pawan Kalyan had lashed out at Karthi over the latter's remark over the controversy around the temple prasad.

Tamil actor Karthi has apologised to Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, over his comment on the Tirupati laddoo row. Pawan Kalyan had lashed out at Karthi over the latter's remark over the controversy around the temple prasad. What did Karthi say? On September 23, Karthi attended an event in Hyderabad during which the anchor showed a few memes, one of which was about laddoos. To which the actor reacted and said, "Ippudu laddoo gurinchi maatladakodadu (We should not talk about laddoo now), it's a sensitive topic manakoddadi (we don’t want)." The actor laughed off the matter of animal fat being used in the laddoos which did not go down well with many, including Pawan Kalyan. Soon after, Pawan lashed out at the actor and said, "Don’t you dare say it is a sensitive issue or make jokes about the Tirupati Laddoo. I respect you as an actor, I urge everyone from the film fraternity to either support this fight or stay silent. I would request everyone to refrain from making unnecessary remarks." On Tuesday, Karthi issued a public apology to Pawan Kalyan and wrote, "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." 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 × Pawan Kalyan responded to Karthi apology post and said he understood that the Ponniyin Selvan star did not make the remark intentionally. The Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh wrote on X, "Dear @Karthi_Offl garu, I sincerely appreciate your kind gesture and swift response, as well as the respect you've shown towards our shared traditions. Matters concerning our sacred institutions, like Tirupati and its revered laddus, carry deep emotional weight for millions of devotees, and it’s essential for all of us to handle such topics with care." "That said, I wanted to bring this to your notice with no intentions behind it, and I understand the situation was unintentional. Our responsibility as public figures is to foster unity and respect, especially regarding what we cherish most—our culture and spiritual values. Let's always strive to uplift these values while continuing to inspire through cinema." "I would also like to express my admiration for you as a remarkable actor whose dedication and talent have consistently enriched our cinema." "Wishing you, @Suriya_offl garu, #Jyotika garu, and the entire team at @2D_ENTPVTLTD a successful release of #Meiyazhagan / #SathyamSundaram. May it resonate with audience and bring joy to many (sic)." Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan is observing an 11-day-long prayaschitta diksha, a purification ritual. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu previously accused the usage of substandard ingredients, including fish oil and beef tallow, in the ghee used to prepare Tirupati laddoo prasadams during Jagan Mohan Reddy's administration. Recent lab reports have confirmed the presence of animal fat in the laddoos which led to the cancellation of contracts with companies supplying ghee to the temple.

Karthi apologises to Pawan Kalyan over his remarks on Tirupati Laddoo controversy 

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday (Nov 26), and was welcomed by state Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Governor S Abdul Nazeer.</p>

<p>On Monday, the PM visited the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala and offered prayers for the ‘good health, well-being and prosperity of all Indians.’</p>

<p>PM Modi visited the temple at around 8 am local time.</p>

<p>"At the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, prayed for the good health, well-being and prosperity of 140 crore Indians," said Modi in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="sl">Om Namo Venkatesaya!<br />
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Some more glimpses from Tirumala. <a href="https://t.co/WUaJ9cGMlH">pic.twitter.com/WUaJ9cGMlH</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1728991488665878664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Later in the day, the PM will head to the nearby Telangana state, where elections are due on November 30. In the final leg of the election campaign, the PM will hold a massive road show of 166km, covering 24 constituencies in and around the city of Hyderabad.</p>

<p>Monday is the last day for election campaigning, according to the Model Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-five-state-elections-after-hindi-heartland-bjp-banks-on-pm-modis-popularity-in-telangana-663146"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India five-state elections: After Hindi heartland, BJP banks on PM Modi`s popularity in Telangana</strong></a></p>

<p>According to Modi's&nbsp;Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), the roadshow will begin in Musheerabad and will cover Sanathnagar, Secunderabad, Secunderabad Cantonment, Malakpet, Yakatpura, Bahadurpura, Chandrayangutta, L B Nagar, Maheshwaram, Malkajgiri, Quthbullapur, Kukatpally, Uppal, Medchal, Amberpet, Khairatabad, Jubilee Hills, Nampally, Karwan, Serlingampally, Charminar, Rajendranagar and end in Goshamahal.</p>

<p>PM Modi in his previous election rallies had said people of Telangana wanted to vote for the BJP to power as they have had enough of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party and Congress.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat on 26/11 anniversary: "We can never forget November 26"</strong></p>

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<p>“I know that the people here want to break free from the past of betrayal. The people here are tired of the 9 years of BRS rule and they want freedom from BRS. The people here want freedom from the Congress, which, despite being in power for seven decades, consistently neglected this entire region. And that's why... this time, the wind is blowing in favor of the BJP. The people of Telangana are hopeful for change with the BJP," Modi said while addressing public meetings in Kamareddy and Maheshwaram.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday (Nov 26), and was welcomed by state Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Governor S Abdul Nazeer.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday (Nov 26), and was welcomed by state Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Governor S Abdul Nazeer. On Monday, the PM visited the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala and offered prayers for the ‘good health, well-being and prosperity of all Indians.’ PM Modi visited the temple at around 8 am local time. "At the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, prayed for the good health, well-being and prosperity of 140 crore Indians," said Modi in a post on X. Om Namo Venkatesaya! Some more glimpses from Tirumala. pic.twitter.com/WUaJ9cGMlH — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 27, 2023 × Later in the day, the PM will head to the nearby Telangana state, where elections are due on November 30. In the final leg of the election campaign, the PM will hold a massive road show of 166km, covering 24 constituencies in and around the city of Hyderabad. Monday is the last day for election campaigning, according to the Model Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Also read: India five-state elections: After Hindi heartland, BJP banks on PM Modi`s popularity in Telangana According to Modi's Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), the roadshow will begin in Musheerabad and will cover Sanathnagar, Secunderabad, Secunderabad Cantonment, Malakpet, Yakatpura, Bahadurpura, Chandrayangutta, L B Nagar, Maheshwaram, Malkajgiri, Quthbullapur, Kukatpally, Uppal, Medchal, Amberpet, Khairatabad, Jubilee Hills, Nampally, Karwan, Serlingampally, Charminar, Rajendranagar and end in Goshamahal. PM Modi in his previous election rallies had said people of Telangana wanted to vote for the BJP to power as they have had enough of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party and Congress. Watch: PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat on 26/11 anniversary: "We can never forget November 26" × “I know that the people here want to break free from the past of betrayal. The people here are tired of the 9 years of BRS rule and they want freedom from BRS. The people here want freedom from the Congress, which, despite being in power for seven decades, consistently neglected this entire region. And that's why... this time, the wind is blowing in favor of the BJP. The people of Telangana are hopeful for change with the BJP," Modi said while addressing public meetings in Kamareddy and Maheshwaram. (With inputs from agencies)

India: PM Modi visits Tirupati shrine, all set to hold mega road show in Hyderabad

<p>The anticipated political showdown between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka took an unexpected twist, as the Tirupati laddu (an Indian sweet)&nbsp;issue evolved into a simmering debate involving Tirumala authorities in state of Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>The controversy, originally centred around the usage of Nandini brand ghee (clarified butter), in the revered Tirupati temple offering, has now ignited a clash of narratives, as reported by PTI.</p>

<h2><strong>A rift in ghee supply claims</strong></h2>

<p>The escalation began when officials from the Tirumala Temple Devasthanams (TTD) indicated that Nandini ghee had been used in Tirupati laddus for just one year out of the past two decades.</p>

<p>However, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) swiftly contradicted this claim, stating that they had never specified the duration of their ghee supply to the temple.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/india-ttd-trust-plans-tirupati-temples-in-every-state-ut-says-report-608473">India: TTD trust plans Tirupati temples in every state and UT, says report</a></p>

<h2><strong>Setting the stage for political strife</strong></h2>

<p>The unfolding events on a Sunday set the stage for a brewing political tussle.</p>

<p>References to KMF's alleged non-supply of Nandini ghee to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh quickly attracted the attention of Karnataka's ruling Congress party and provided ammunition for the opposition BJP to ramp up the heat.</p>

<h2><strong>Opposition heats up</strong></h2>

<p>Nalin Kumar Kateel, a prominent BJP leader, accused the Karnataka Congress government of deliberately halting the ghee supply as part of their "policy of indifference towards temples, and Hindu beliefs and devotion."</p>

<p>The BJP's claims added fuel to the controversy, shifting the focus onto the religious sentiments involved.</p>

<p>To counter the allegations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the suspension of Nandini ghee supply for Tirupati laddus had occurred during the tenure of the previous BJP government, effectively defusing the BJP's argument. This revelation introduced a twist in the timeline of events, demonstrating the complexity of the issue.</p>

<p>KMF Chairman Bheema Naik highlighted that the competitive bidding process for supply contracts had led to the selection of another supplier at a lower rate than KMF's bid.</p>

<p>He emphasised the high quality of Nandini ghee and expressed confidence in its superiority. However, the Tirumala Temple authorities contested KMF's claims, asserting that their ghee had been supplied only once in the past two decades, and that too for a relatively insignificant portion of their requirement.</p>

<p>As the controversy deepened, KMF officials anonymously denied making any definitive claims about the duration of their ghee supply to the temple. While KMF's Managing Director and CEO, MK Jagdish, confirmed their last supply in 2021-22, he reiterated their interest in re-establishing a connection with the TTD and resolving the pricing concerns.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: Haryana violence spreads, Delhi on alert; Police conducts flag march in Gurugram</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>A history of political&nbsp;</strong><b>manoeuvring&nbsp;</b></h2>

<p>The Nandini brand, managed by KMF, had previously been entangled in political debates and counterclaims in Karnataka, both before and after the state Assembly elections. The BJP accused the Congress of exploiting the Nandini issue for political gains during the elections, leading to pricing fluctuations and strained supply relations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The anticipated political showdown between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka took an unexpected twist, as the Tirupati laddu (an Indian sweet) issue evolved into a simmering debate involving Tirumala authorities in state of Andhra Pradesh.

The anticipated political showdown between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka took an unexpected twist, as the Tirupati laddu (an Indian sweet) issue evolved into a simmering debate involving Tirumala authorities in state of Andhra Pradesh. The controversy, originally centred around the usage of Nandini brand ghee (clarified butter), in the revered Tirupati temple offering, has now ignited a clash of narratives, as reported by PTI. A rift in ghee supply claims The escalation began when officials from the Tirumala Temple Devasthanams (TTD) indicated that Nandini ghee had been used in Tirupati laddus for just one year out of the past two decades. However, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) swiftly contradicted this claim, stating that they had never specified the duration of their ghee supply to the temple. Also read | India: TTD trust plans Tirupati temples in every state and UT, says report Setting the stage for political strife The unfolding events on a Sunday set the stage for a brewing political tussle. References to KMF's alleged non-supply of Nandini ghee to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh quickly attracted the attention of Karnataka's ruling Congress party and provided ammunition for the opposition BJP to ramp up the heat. Opposition heats up Nalin Kumar Kateel, a prominent BJP leader, accused the Karnataka Congress government of deliberately halting the ghee supply as part of their "policy of indifference towards temples, and Hindu beliefs and devotion." The BJP's claims added fuel to the controversy, shifting the focus onto the religious sentiments involved. To counter the allegations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the suspension of Nandini ghee supply for Tirupati laddus had occurred during the tenure of the previous BJP government, effectively defusing the BJP's argument. This revelation introduced a twist in the timeline of events, demonstrating the complexity of the issue. KMF Chairman Bheema Naik highlighted that the competitive bidding process for supply contracts had led to the selection of another supplier at a lower rate than KMF's bid. He emphasised the high quality of Nandini ghee and expressed confidence in its superiority. However, the Tirumala Temple authorities contested KMF's claims, asserting that their ghee had been supplied only once in the past two decades, and that too for a relatively insignificant portion of their requirement. As the controversy deepened, KMF officials anonymously denied making any definitive claims about the duration of their ghee supply to the temple. While KMF's Managing Director and CEO, MK Jagdish, confirmed their last supply in 2021-22, he reiterated their interest in re-establishing a connection with the TTD and resolving the pricing concerns. Also watch | India: Haryana violence spreads, Delhi on alert; Police conducts flag march in Gurugram A history of political manoeuvring The Nandini brand, managed by KMF, had previously been entangled in political debates and counterclaims in Karnataka, both before and after the state Assembly elections. The BJP accused the Congress of exploiting the Nandini issue for political gains during the elections, leading to pricing fluctuations and strained supply relations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: The humble Tirupati laddu has become a recipe for political battle. Here's how

<p>The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is planning a pan-India presence of Lord Balaji by constructing one replica of the Tirupati shrine in every state and Union Territory (UT) in the country, according to a report by the Times of India on Sunday (June 25). The report said that the TTD initially administered the affairs of only a handful of temples.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, since its inception in 1933, the trust has established 58 temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara across India. Most of these temples are located in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report added while the TTD first began constructing and taking over temples in Andhra Pradesh, the first temple outside the region which it absorbed into its administration was the Balaji Temple in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh. This was in the year 1969.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then in 2019, the TTD established a Lord Venkateswara temple in Kanyakumari. And on June 8 this year, a temple was opened in Jammu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, the trust laid a foundation stone for a replica of the Balaji temple in Maharashtra. The TTD is contemplating building three more temples in Gujarat's Gandhinagar, Chhattisgarh's Raipur and Bihar, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the publication, TTD chairperson Subba Reddy said that constructing temples across 28 states and UTs was an attempt towards taking the almighty to the very doorsteps of the devotees.&nbsp;</p>

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The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is planning a pan-India presence of Lord Balaji by constructing one replica of the Tirupati shrine in every state and Union Territory (UT) in the country, according to a report by the Times of India on Sunday (June 25).

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is planning a pan-India presence of Lord Balaji by constructing one replica of the Tirupati shrine in every state and Union Territory (UT) in the country, according to a report by the Times of India on Sunday (June 25). The report said that the TTD initially administered the affairs of only a handful of temples. However, since its inception in 1933, the trust has established 58 temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara across India. Most of these temples are located in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The report added while the TTD first began constructing and taking over temples in Andhra Pradesh, the first temple outside the region which it absorbed into its administration was the Balaji Temple in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh. This was in the year 1969. Then in 2019, the TTD established a Lord Venkateswara temple in Kanyakumari. And on June 8 this year, a temple was opened in Jammu. Recently, the trust laid a foundation stone for a replica of the Balaji temple in Maharashtra. The TTD is contemplating building three more temples in Gujarat's Gandhinagar, Chhattisgarh's Raipur and Bihar, the report added. Speaking to the publication, TTD chairperson Subba Reddy said that constructing temples across 28 states and UTs was an attempt towards taking the almighty to the very doorsteps of the devotees. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: TTD trust plans Tirupati temples in every state and UT, says report

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Karthi apologises to Pawan Kalyan over his remarks on Tirupati Laddoo controversy

India: PM Modi visits Tirupati shrine, all set to hold mega road show in Hyderabad

India: The humble Tirupati laddu has become a recipe for political battle. Here's how

India: TTD trust plans Tirupati temples in every state and UT, says report