Thu Oct 31 00:33:43 UTC 2024: ## Andhra Pradesh Revamps Tirupati Temple Board, Appoints Media Mogul as Chairman

**Tirupati:** The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a revamped Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust board, appointing media entrepreneur and philanthropist Bollineni Rajagopal Naidu as the new chairman. The 24-member board, which includes representatives from various political, judicial, and business sectors, will oversee the governance of the renowned shrine.

The new board features a mix of prominent figures, including former Union minister Panabaka Lakshmi, Bharat Biotech co-founder Suchitra Ella, and three Telugu Desam MLAs – Jyothula Nehru, Vemireddy Prasanthi Reddy, and MS Raju. Former TTD board member Prasanthi Reddy, who previously served as a YSR Congress nominee, has since joined the Telugu Desam.

The board also includes representatives from several states, showcasing the national reach of the temple. P Ramamurthy and Krishna Murthy V hail from Tamil Nadu, RN Darshan and Naresh Kumar from Karnataka, Saurabh H Bora from Maharashtra, and Adit Desai from Gujarat. Notably, art director B Anand Sai, closely associated with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, is also part of the new team.

While the board boasts a diverse range of expertise, it has raised concerns among local leaders, particularly from the Telugu Desam, Jana Sena, and BJP, as the board lacks any representation from Tirupati district.

The new chairman, BR Naidu, hails from a farming family near Chittoor district and has a distinguished career spanning various sectors, including trade unions and politics. He is known for his strong ties with the Telugu Desam and has pledged to prioritize transparency, accountability, and pilgrim welfare in his new role. He has also outlined plans to improve temple infrastructure and streamline darshan access.

Board members have expressed their gratitude for their appointments and their commitment to contributing to the board’s mission of serving devotees. The revamp of the TTD board marks a significant step in the state government’s efforts to strengthen the administration and enhance the overall experience for pilgrims visiting the sacred temple.

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