Thu Oct 31 16:25:45 UTC 2024: ## New TTD Chairman Pushes for Hindu-Only Staff at Tirumala Temple, Sparks Controversy
The newly appointed Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Board, B R Naidu, has ignited controversy by declaring that all personnel working at the temple premises should be Hindus.
Naidu, speaking to the news agency PTI, stated that this would be his “first effort”, adding that “there are many issues in this” and that he would discuss the matter with the Andhra Pradesh government.
The chairman’s statement has raised concerns about potential discrimination against staff members of other faiths and has prompted calls for clarity on the proposed actions. Naidu has suggested that non-Hindu employees might be offered Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) or transferred to other departments.
This declaration comes on the heels of the appointment of a new 24-member TTD board by the TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government. The board includes notable figures like Suchitra Ella, co-founder and MD of Bharat Biotech International Ltd.
The new chairman has also alleged “many irregularities” during the tenure of former chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, calling for the “sanctity of the temple to be safeguarded”. This statement alludes to a recent controversy surrounding allegations of ghee contaminated with animal fat being used in the preparation of the famous Laddu prasadam.
The Supreme Court intervened in the matter, ordering the formation of a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations. The SIT will comprise officials from the CBI, Andhra Pradesh police, and FSSAI, under the supervision of the CBI Director.
Former Chief Minister Reddy has denounced the court’s move, viewing it as a political ploy by current Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Reddy accused Naidu of exploiting religious sentiments for political gains, calling his actions a “sin” that should not be visited upon the people of Andhra Pradesh.
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