81-member Board never before in the history of Tirumala
Respect decades-old traditions and appoint new Board
Accused in CBI cases appointed on Board
Would have to repent if ‘Venkanna’ glory is defiled
TTD turned into a hub of commerce and politics
AMARAVATI: TDP National President and former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged the YSRCP Government to cancel the ‘jumbo Board’ that was constituted with 81 members for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in total ‘disregard’ for the sentiments of the devotees and pilgrims.
Mr. Naidu advised Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy not to misuse a world renowned place of divinity like the TTD for taking political and selfish personal advantage. Appointing corruption-tainted persons on the governing body was condemnable. Conversion of the pious Seven Hills into a hub of commercial interests was regrettable. The Board was turned into a rehabilitation centre for the politically unemployed persons.
The TDP chief shot off a letter to the Chief Minister here, warning that anybody who would tarnish the glory of ‘Venkanna’ would have to repent in future. Selfish interests were clearly evident in the appointment of the Board. It should be revoked and a new Board should be constituted in accordance with the traditions and sentiments of the devotees. Importance should be given to those known for their devotional fervour and a spirit of ‘Swamivari Seva’. Appointment of accused persons in CBI cases as members of the Board was highly objectionable.
Mr. Naidu told the CM that the prestige and divinity of Tirumala was being undermined and defiled in the past two and half years. The centuries-old TTD shrine never had a jumbo Board with 81-members in its long history. The TTD shrine was famous the world over for its devotional and spiritual eminence. The TDP would strongly condemn the filling of the TTD Board with businessmen with questionable credentials, corrupt persons, criminals and tainted individuals. No other Chief Minister in the past had even thought of appointing such a jumbo-sized Board.
Decrying the ‘lowering standards’ at TTD, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu said that these days, all sorts of unwanted restrictions were being imposed for a free and smooth darshan for the common pilgrims. Whereas, some few individuals were getting all the services and benefits. The latest decision had hurt the image of Tirumala at the national and international levels. The sentiments of crores of devotees were hurt all over.
Mr. Naidu asserted that membership on TTD Board used to stand as a symbol of one’s devotion and spirituality. In the past, an individual’s personality and service attitude were measured before giving membership. Now, the traditions and conventions were being set aside. The rulers had even dared to put the TTD properties to auction. Other religious propaganda was printed on even the Tirupati-Tirumala bus tickets.
The TDP chief recalled how the whole spiritual atmosphere atop the Seven Hills was being vitiated. Other religious hymns were found on the TTD website. Other religious propaganda was going on at the SVIMS. The SVBC Chairman’s amorous adventures, the devotees tonsure hair smuggling and twisting of Ramayana in TTD monthly magazine were unpardonable. The ‘laddu prasadam’ rates were arbitrarily hiked. The pious ‘Srivari prasadam’ was misused and distributed in the elections. All sorts of unethical and impious activities were going on in the past two and half years.
Mr. Naidu asserted that Tirumala should have no place for anything else except the symbol of ‘Sri Venkateswara Thirunamam’. But, the ruling YSRCP colours were painted on the road dividers. Political campaigns were taken up atop the Seven Hills. Drones were flown in violation of the rules and rallies were held. The Government had a duty to protect and preserve the decades-old traditions. A new Board should be appointed to repair the damage done to the shrine. A heavy penalty would have to be paid if the piety of ‘Kaliyuga Daivam’ was undermined.
