Tirumala: TTD Implements Key Decision to Curb Political Speeches

Tirumala, Nov 30, 2024 – The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), responsible for managing the sacred Tirumala Srivari Temple, has made a significant decision aimed at preserving the spiritual atmosphere of the revered site. Recent instances of political commentary and provocative speeches by certain individuals have elicited anger among devotees. In response, TTD has officially banned political and hate speeches on Tirumala Hill.

Concerns have been raised by devotees regarding the disturbances caused by political dialogues in such a holy environment. Consequently, the TTD board has acted to implement a strict prohibition on these types of speeches, guaranteeing that violators may face legal action.

In a related incident, the recent photo shoot by businessman Vamsidhar Reddy in front of the Srivari Temple has generated controversy. Cameramen were spotted conducting a shoot near the main temple entrance, which raised eyebrows among the TTD vigilance officials who reportedly overlooked the unauthorized activity. Many devotees expressed their dissatisfaction with the disturbances caused not only by the photo shoot but also due to the inappropriate behavior of Reddy's staff towards media personnel. Past incidents have prompted vigilance and police to take action, yet there are claims that no measures were taken in this case.

In addition to these developments, the weather on Tirumala Hill has turned colder, posing challenges for devotees, especially with recent snowfall and light rainfall. The time taken for devotees to visit Srivari Temple can be lengthy; it usually takes about 15 hours for a trip, while those with a special Rs. 300 ticket can complete the journey in approximately three hours.