Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Hyderabad: Amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Andhra Pradesh's Jana Sena party has sought divine intervention and strength.
Party MLAs traveled to eight important shrines of Lord Subramanya also known as Shanmukha and Kumara Swami in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to offer special prayers.
This initiative comes as Jana Sena chief and state deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, who has declared himself an "unapologetic Sanatani Hindu," continues making moves to establish himself as a Hindutva mascot in southern India.
Following Kalyan's call, special prayers, abhishekas, and kalyanams were performed on Tuesday, a day considered auspicious to Lord Kumara Swami.
Led by party MLAs, over 100 party workers visited each temple to pray that Subramanya's strength would complement the Indian army's power. Lord Subramanya is revered as the commander of the divine army.
With national security and prosperity as their goal, the delegation offered prayers at six temples considered to be the Lord's earthly abodes, as per Kalyan's instructions. After the prayers, they displayed national flags outside the temples, showcasing their patriotism while chanting "Harom Hara" to Vetri Vel Murugan.
Tadepalligudem MLA and Government Whip Bolisetti Srinivas conducted special prayers to Swami Malai Subrahmanya Swami. He undertook the pilgrimage with party leaders and workers to invoke divine strength for the army.
"The Lord who empowered our forces to target nine terrorist camps in just 25 minutes has blessed our army, and Prime Minister Modi has initiated this action solely to punish the wicked and protect the virtuous," Srinivas said. He expressed confidence that Subrahmanya's divine blessings would support India in this "righteous war."
Railway Koduru MLA and Government Whip Arava Sridhar conducted abhishekas and prayers at Sri Arulmighu Murugan Swami temple in Palamudircholai along with Jana Sena leaders. He asserted that Kumara Swami's blessings would certainly accompany India's fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism under Modi's leadership.
Rajanagaram MLA Battula Balaramakrishna performed special prayers at Ghati Subrahmanya temple, seeking strength for the national leadership and armed forces facing border challenges following "Operation Sindoor." Meanwhile, at the famous Kukke Subrahmanya temple, special rituals were conducted by AHUDA Chairman and united Anantapur district Jana Sena president TC Varun.