Religious Lines Drawn: TTD Chairman BR Naidu Announces Hindu-Only Staff Policy.

Everyone Who Works At Tirumala Tirupati Temple Should Be Hindu: Newly-Appointed TTD Chairman BR Naidu.

B Upendran | HENB | Tirumala | Nov 1, 2024:: B.R. Naidu, the newly appointed chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Board, has made a significant statement that only Hindus should work at the temple’s premises, as reported by news agency PTI. This move aims to maintain the temple’s sanctity and religious integrity.

It’s worth noting that the TTD Board has undergone changes recently, with J. Shyamala Rao taking charge as the new Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in June 2024.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman B.R. Naidu has sparked controversy by advocating for a Hindu-only staff policy at the revered Tirumala temple, emphasizing the need to restore sanctity. This move aims to align the temple’s staffing with its core Hindu principles. Naidu plans to consult with the government on possible transfers or retirement options for non-Hindu employees, potentially relocating them to other government departments or offering voluntary retirement.

The proposed policy has drawn both support and criticism, with some arguing it’s essential to maintain the temple’s religious integrity, while others see it as discriminatory and contradictory to India’s secular principles. This development follows the Andhra Pradesh government’s efforts to promote traditional Hindu practices within the temple administration.

Naidu, a long-time devotee of Lord Venkateswara and prominent media figure running Hindu devotional TV channels, said that his role as TTD Chairman is an honour, as reported by PTI. He thanked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and NDA government leaders for the opportunity and stated that he is focused on transparency and integrity in his duties.

He also claimed that various irregularities occurred under the previous YSR Congress regime and underscored the importance of safeguarding the temple’s sanctity.

Further, BR Naidu told ANI, “The new committee is doing good compared to the previous committee, now there are no issues…last month TTD conducted ‘Brahmotsavam’…I will try to (bring changes).”

In recent developments, the Andhra Pradesh government reconstituted the TTD Board with 24 members, naming BR Naidu as Chairman and including notable figures like Bharat Biotech’s co-founder, Suchitra Ella.

As part of ongoing initiatives, TTD’s SV Annaprasadam Trust has introduced a one-day donation scheme to fund Annaprasadam for the millions of devotees visiting Tirumala for darshan. Donors can contribute Rs. 44 lakh for a full day’s meals, with options to sponsor breakfast, lunch, or dinner individually. The donor’s name will be displayed at the Vengamamba Annaprasadam complex on their chosen day, with an opportunity to serve Annaprasadam in person.

TTD also distributes Annaprasadam at the food counters in Tirumala besides the Elderly and Disabled persons waiting Complex and Rs 300/- Special Entrance Darshan Complex. They also provides beverages and distributes milk for children.

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__Inputs from PTI and ANI.