Appointment of jumbo size TTD board draws flak, Naidu for terminating appointments
image for illustrative purpose
The constitution of a jumbo-sized trust board for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) by the Andhra Pradesh Government has turned controversial with several political parties criticising it saying the decision will entail a heavy burden on TTD and dent the image of the world famous temple.
In separate orders, the government followed the appointment of Chairman Y.B. Subba Reddy with the constitution of the board comprising as many as 24 regular members, four ex-officio members and 52 special invitees. Among prominent industrialists who have been accommodated in the board included India Cements chairman N. Srinivasan, My Home Group chairman J. Rameswar Rao and Hetero Group chairman B. Parthasaradhi. It has three civil servants as ex-officio members. The board has seven persons from Telangana.
The decision on the jumbo size board constitution has drawn severe criticism with the Leader of Opposition and TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu, alleging that this is an attempt to convert TTD into a 'rehabilitation centre for retired and discarded politicians' as well as people close to the corridors of power under the YSRCP Government.
Naidu in a letter to the Chief Minister, which was released to the media, demanded cancellation of the appointments to uphold the sanctity of the famous Hindu shrine, which attracts pilgrims as well as contributions from all over the world.
BJP State president and MLC Somu Veeraju came down heavily on the government for its decision to have a jumbo-sized board. "The board is supposed to look after the well-being of the Tirumala temple as well as other temples and properties which come under the control of TTD. Instead of this, appointing so many people in the board is ridiculous," he said,
Former TTD member Bhanu Prakash Reddy said though the special invitees will not have voting rights, they will have all the privileges that are accorded to the regular members. "Hence, they along with others will be issuing letters for issuance of 20 break darshan and 30 special darshan tickets everyday. The TTD will also have to spend huge amounts towards their travel, accommodation and other expenses in connection with board meetings and other activities," he pointed out.
