Andhra CM Naidu: Only hindus should work at Tirumala Temple
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu declared that only Hindus should work at the Tirumala Temple. He assured that non-Hindus currently employed there would be relocated without hurting their sentiments.
Naidu also announced plans to build Venkateswara Swamy temples in every state capital across India. His statement follows recent action by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which oversees the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple. Last month, the TTD removed 18 employees for allegedly practicing Christianity despite pledging to follow Hindu traditions.
These employees, including lecturers, hostel staff, engineers, and paramedics, were barred from attending religious events organized by the board. At a TTD trust board meeting on November 18, 2024, officials decided to remove all non-Hindus from temple administration. A 2018 report noted that 44 employees of other faiths worked in the TTD.
Addressing another controversy, Naidu spoke about the proposed Mumtaz Hotel near the sacred Seven Hills. He revealed that while previous governments had approved the project, his administration decided to cancel it.
“Permission had been granted for the Mumtaz Hotel, but we have revoked the approval. There should be no commercialization near the Seven Hills of Tirumala,” Naidu stated. The hotel was planned on 35.32 acres of land.
Earlier, the TTD trust board had demanded the cancellation of the land allotment for the project in the Alipiri area, near the Tirumala temple. In November 2024, the board passed a resolution opposing the hotel.
TTD chairman BR Naidu called the hotel’s proximity to the temple “objectionable.” He pointed out that the previous government had altered plans meant for the Devalokam project and allocated the land to Mumtaz Hotel. “It is highly objectionable for Hindus,” he emphasized.
Naidu’s firm stance on religious employment at Tirumala and the cancellation of the hotel project highlights his administration’s focus on preserving Hindu traditions and ensuring temple sanctity. His government now faces the challenge of implementing these decisions while maintaining harmony.
