Fri Aug 29 02:46:33 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The article reports on a dispute in Tirupati regarding a land swap deal involving the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Former TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, from the YSRCP party, is criticizing the current TTD Chairman, B.R. Naidu, and the current government for swapping TTD land for land previously allocated for a tourism project (specifically, the Mumtaz Hotel by the Oberoi Group) during the YSRCP’s rule. Reddy argues that this swap is an “illegitimate act” and suggests the YSRCP may take legal action. He also contends that any perceived errors by the previous YSRCP government should be rectified rather than used as justification for swapping valuable TTD land. He points out that land alienation near the Tirumala Hills began during the TDP’s tenure in the late 1990s.
**News Article:**
**Tirupati Land Swap Deal Sparks Political Clash; Former Chairman Threatens Legal Action**
*Tirupati, August 29, 2025* – A controversial land swap deal involving the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has ignited a political firestorm in Tirupati, pitting the current TTD Trust Board Chairman B.R. Naidu against his predecessor, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy of the YSRCP party.
At the heart of the dispute is the current government’s decision to exchange a parcel of TTD-owned land for land previously earmarked for a tourism project, specifically the Mumtaz Hotel by the Oberoi Group, a decision made during the YSRCP’s time in office.
Speaking to the media in Tirupati on Thursday, Mr. Karunakar Reddy vehemently opposed the swap, labeling it an “illegitimate act” and hinting at potential legal action by the YSRCP to stall the deal. “The TTD administration as well as the State government are certainly at fault for resorting to this swap deal. The TTD land can not be used for purposes other than intended, as per the TTD Act,” he stated.
Reddy argued that the current government is using the previous allocation as an excuse to part with valuable TTD-owned land. He countered that land alienation in the Tirumala Hills region began during the TDP’s tenure in the late 1990s. “If you feel that the YSRCP government had made any mistake, you can always rectify it. But swapping the tourism land with a precious chunk of land belonging to the TTD is not a solution,” he emphasized.
The former chairman also responded to personal remarks made against him by Mr. Naidu, deeming them inappropriate for someone holding the position of head of the TTD, a world-renowned religious institution.
The dispute highlights the sensitivity surrounding land use and management within the sacred Tirumala area, and is expected to escalate further as the YSRCP considers its legal options.
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