TTD Land deal sparks political storm as YSRCP alleges major scam in Tirumala
A major political row erupted in Tirupati on Wednesday after senior YSRCP leader and former TTD chairman B Karunakar Reddy accused the NDA coalition government of engineering a massive land scam. He alleged that the government moved to transfer prime Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams land to luxury hotel chain Oberoi in the name of tourism development.
According to Karunakar Reddy, the deal involves more than 20 acres of prime TTD land near Alipiri. He said registration records value this land at over ₹460 crore. However, he claimed the open market value crosses ₹3,000 crore. In contrast, the government allegedly exchanged this land for tourism department property worth only about ₹18 crore.
Karunakar Reddy described the transaction as a deliberate conspiracy. He said the NDA government planned the exchange to benefit a private five-star hotel group at the cost of Lord Venkateswara’s assets. He termed the deal the biggest scam in TTD’s history. He added that no earlier controversy matched its scale.
Moreover, the YSRCP leader alleged a complete lack of transparency. He claimed officials executed registrations quietly and without public disclosure. As a result, he said, serious doubts arise over both intent and legality. He also accused the government of offering generous concessions to Oberoi. These include a waiver of nearly ₹2 crore towards building fund charges and exemptions of around ₹26 crore in stamp duty and lease-related fees.
Further, Karunakar Reddy recalled a key government order from June 2, 2007. The order came during the tenure of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. It legally protected the seven sacred hills of Tirumala, including the disputed land. He argued that the law clearly shields this area from commercial use.
Therefore, he said, handing over protected temple land to a private luxury hotel chain violates both law and tradition. He called the move illegal, immoral, and unprecedented. He also questioned what TTD gained from the exchange. According to him, the temple trust received no meaningful benefit.
In addition, Karunakar Reddy raised concerns over environmental clearances. He alleged authorities allowed construction without forest approvals. He pointed to the presence of red sandalwood trees on the site. He also rejected the claim that a 100-room hotel needs 20 acres of sacred land. He argued that such justification lacks logic and intent.
Meanwhile, the former TTD chairman expressed concern over the silence of religious leaders. He urged seers and spiritual heads to speak out. He described the land deal as a systemic plunder of Lord Venkateswara’s property. He warned that silence would embolden further misuse of temple assets.
Karunakar Reddy directly blamed Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for the decision. He also held Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh responsible. He demanded immediate cancellation of the land transfer. He further called upon devotees to unite and protect the sanctity of TTD properties.
At the same time, the ruling Telugu Desam Party did not issue an immediate response. However, the allegations have already triggered sharp debate in political and religious circles. As scrutiny grows, the controversy threatens to escalate into a major issue for the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh.
