This is an archive article published on November 19, 2024
Transfer non-Hindus, ban political speeches, get better ghee for laddus – board that manages Lord Venkateswara temple takes spate of decisions
This was the maiden meeting of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams under new chairman B R Naidu. It was also the first after the Telugu Desam Party-led NDA came to power in June.
Setting up a panel of experts to suggest an action plan to reduce darshan time at Tirumala’s Lord Venkateswara temple to two-three hours; a ban on making political statements there; procurement of superior quality ghee for laddoo preparation; and transferring non-Hindus – these are some of the key decisions taken at the maiden meeting of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) under its new chairman B R Naidu. The TTD is the board that manages Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Venkateswara temple.
The meeting was also the first after the Telugu Desam Party-led NDA came to power in June. TTD executive officer J Syamala Rao said they want to explore ways to reduce the waiting time, which can sometimes be up to 20 hours, for darshan of Lord Venkatewara. To this end, the TTD will set up a panel of experts to suggest ways to decongest and streamline devotees using AI and other technology.
The TTD has also decided to write to the state government to “take an appropriate decision about non-Hindus working in Tirumala”, Rao said. According to officials, the TTD wants that employees of non-Hindu faith working in the temple be rehabilitated in other government institutions or be offered VRS. This is to ensure all temple staff are aligned with the TTD’s religious and spiritual values, officials said.
The Board has also decided to dispense with the AP Tourism Corporation’s ‘Darshan’ quota of various states after a thorough examination of complaints regarding irregularities in the issue of special entry tickets under this category.
Noting that politicians give statements or speeches after praying at the temple, the TTD board has banned such statements or speeches in Tirumala, regardless of political affiliation. “Action will be taken legally if needed against such persons as well those who propagate them,” said Rao.
Amid concerns raised from some Board members, the TTD has also decided to move all its deposits from private banks to nationalised banks.
Further, the TTD is likely to float tenders again to procure superior quality of ghee to prepare prasad offerings, including the famous laddus. Earlier this year, there was a controversy when the ruling TDP-led government raised doubts about the “purity” of the ingredients used in the laddu ‘prasadam’ at the Tirumala Venkateswara temple.
Story continues below this ad
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had made public lab reports that alleged that the laddus, offered to the deity before being distributed among devotees, were contaminated with animal and vegetable fat.
The TTD board also approved a 10 per cent hike in cash reward for employees who rendered special services during the annual Brahmotsavam held from October 4 to 13 this year.
Sreenivas Janyala is a Deputy Associate Editor at The Indian Express, where he serves as one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political and economic landscape of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. With a career spanning over two decades in mainstream journalism, he provides deep-dive analysis and frontline reporting on the intricate dynamics of South Indian governance.
Expertise and Experience
Regional Specialization: Based in Hyderabad, Sreenivas has spent more than 20 years documenting the evolution of the Telugu-speaking states. His reporting was foundational during the historic Telangana statehood movement and continues to track the post-bifurcation development of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Key Coverage Beats: His extensive portfolio covers a vast spectrum of critical issues:
High-Stakes Politics: Comprehensive tracking of regional powerhouses (BRS, TDP, YSRCP, and Congress), electoral shifts, and the political careers of figures like K. Chandrashekar Rao, Chandrababu Naidu, and Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Internal Security & Conflict: Authoritative reporting on Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), the decline of the Maoist movement in former hotbeds, and intelligence-led investigations into regional security modules.
Governance & Infrastructure: Detailed analysis of massive irrigation projects (like Kaleshwaram and Polavaram), capital city developments (Amaravati), and the implementation of state welfare schemes.
Crisis & Health Reporting: Led the publication's ground-level coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic in South India and major industrial incidents, such as the Vizag gas leak.
Analytical Depth: Beyond daily news, Sreenivas is known for his "Explained" pieces that demystify complex regional disputes, such as river water sharing and judicial allocations between the sister states. ... Read More
