The Andhra Pradesh BJP has intensified its demand for the removal of approximately 1,000 employees of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, alleging that they practice non-Hindu faiths. The party asserts that Tirumala, home to the revered Lord Venkateswara Temple, is the “spiritual capital of Hindus” and should be managed exclusively by Hindu staff.
TTD, one of the wealthiest temple boards in the world, employs over 6,500 permanent workers and 17,000 contract employees, totaling around 24,000 staff members. BJP spokesperson and TTD board member Bhanu Prakash Reddy claimed that more than 1,000 employees are suspected of practicing non-Hindu religions. He emphasized that their presence in TTD is unacceptable and undermines the sanctity of the temple.
Reddy announced that BJP representatives plan to meet Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on February 14 to formally request the removal of non-Hindu employees from TTD services. “We will urge the CM to ensure that only Hindus are employed in TTD, as it is a matter of religious and cultural significance,” he stated.
The demand has sparked debates, with critics accusing the BJP of fostering religious discrimination. However, the party maintains that the move is essential to preserve the Hindu identity of Tirumala.
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are on the Andhra Pradesh government’s response to the BJP’s demands.
Source: Web Team, C6N
