Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan, on Sunday, launched a sharp critique against what he described as “fake secularists” for selectively targeting the Hindu faith under the guise of freedom of expression. Speaking at the Muruga Bhakthargal Maanadu, a large congregation of Lord Murugan devotees in Tamil Nadu, Kalyan said he stands as a “committed Hindu”, not a fanatic one, and urged for respect towards all religions.

The event, held in South Tamil Nadu, was organised by Hindu Munnani (Hindu Front) and saw participation from leaders of the BJP and AIADMK, including former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai, news agency PTI reported. Several pontiffs and representatives from Hindu groups were also present.

“Secularism Misused to Target Hinduism”: Pawan Kalyan

Addressing the gathering, largely in Tamil, Pawan Kalyan took aim at atheists and self-styled secularists, accusing them of applying a biased understanding of secularism.

“The word secularism is a convenient word for a lot of people. Specifically to atheists who don’t believe in god; they should not believe in all gods. In India, they wouldn’t believe in Hindu gods. Secularism means no discrimination against any religion, but for them, secularism means no discrimination against any religion except Hinduism,” he remarked, as per PTI.

He warned that consistent targeting of Hindu beliefs in the name of free speech would endanger the survival of the faith. “Freedom of expression was one great weapon given by the Constitution. It has become common to target Hindu gods in the name of freedom of expression. This has to change. If this doesn’t change, it would be very difficult to sustain our religion, faith,” he said.

Reiterating his stance, the Deputy CM added, “I am not a fanatic Hindu, but a committed Hindu. I respect Christianity, Islam. My plea is don’t disrespect my faith.”

He referred to ‘aram’—translated as Dharma or righteousness—as being deeply rooted in the country, describing it as “the strength of the land.” Kalyan criticised those questioning the rationale for holding such conferences in Tamil Nadu, instead of states like Gujarat or Maharashtra, saying such doubts were divisive and potentially dangerous.

He warned, “Such a thought is very very dangerous,” adding that tomorrow such questions might be directed at Lord Shiva or Goddess Amman.

Kalyan further stated, “A Christian can be a Christian, a Muslim can be a Muslim but they have a problem if a Hindu is Hindu. If one is Hindu, they call him communal. This is their fake secularism. Who are you to question my belief? We don’t question your belief, you should follow that decency.”

“You may not respect my faith but don’t disrespect it,” he urged, asking whether similar questions would ever be asked of religions that originated in Arabia. He cautioned that the patience of Hindus should not be mistaken for weakness, adding that they should not be provoked.

“Protect Dharma,” Says Pawan Kalyan

Pawan Kalyan, dressed in a green veshti (dhoti), angavastram (shawl), and a white shirt—traditional attire associated with Lord Murugan devotees—lamented past mockery of sacred hymns like the Kanda Sashti Kavacham. He said, “They have the right (freedom of expression) which this democracy has given. They have made fun of my faith, culture…who are they to malign other’s faith, question Murugan,” and urged everyone to “protect dharma.”

He concluded with optimism, stating, “Change is bound to happen.”

BJP, AIADMK Leaders Echo Support

Speaking at the same event, BJP leader K Annamalai clarified that the conference was “not a political event but one held to raise questions and seek rights.” He added, “We are not enemies to anyone, only trying to assert our rights… Hindus are enemies only to those who consider us enemies.”

Others in attendance included Hindu Munnani chief Kadeswara Subramaniam, AIADMK leaders R B Udayakumar and Sellur K Raju, and BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran.

The event concluded with a mass recitation of the Kanda Sashti Kavacham, a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Murugan.