YSRCP Criticizes Govt’s Land Purchase for TTD Temple in Amaravati

Tirupati, March 9: The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has strongly criticized Chief Minister Chandrababu for involving Lord Venkateswara in commercial activities by purchasing land in Amaravati for a temple. This move is unprecedented and highly objectionable, according to the party.

Speaking to the media on Monday, former TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy stated that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has traditionally never purchased land for building temples. Instead, this has always been done through generous donations from devotees, a practice that dates back centuries. However, Chandrababu has transformed Lord Balaji into a commercial commodity.

The Chandrababu government has acquired 25 acres of land in Venkatayapalem for Rs 50,00,000 (12.5 crores) as part of the Amaravati project. This land purchase is aimed at pursuing commercial activities. Reddy pointed out that the government has given land in Amaravati at cheaper rates or even for free to other institutions, but when it comes to TTD, it has turned into a commercial transaction. Initially, the TTD sought the land for free, but the request was denied, forcing the dharmic institution to buy the land.

Reddy emphasized that such a commercial approach to temple land is unprecedented. Historically, in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, land for temples has always been donated by devotees who also bear the major costs of temple construction. Chandrababu’s decision to involve the TTD in commercial activities is a significant departure from this tradition.

Even facilities like marriage halls (Kalyana Mantapams) have traditionally been built using donor funds, and Lord Venkateswara Swamy has never been used for commercial purposes. However, in this case, the government is using TTD funds to buy land for a temple, which Reddy sees as a misuse of religious resources.

Chandrababu, while speaking on Women’s Day, promised strict action against atrocities on women. However, Reddy pointed out that an offender, BR Naidu, is still holding a post at TTD, despite a video of an incident being widely viewed by millions of people. The government’s inaction in this matter highlights its lack of sincerity.

Reddy further accused Chandrababu of misusing TTD funds to build real estate ventures, including flyovers. He also highlighted the incident where a ghee tanker overturned near Tirumala, and the Indapur Heritage nexus was not allowed to be discussed in the House, indicating that there are many unethical practices at Tirumala.

The publication of Bhagavad Gita in a simplified language was another point of contention. When challenged for a debate on the issue, there were no takers, Reddy noted. He also criticized the latest Swamiji for not protesting against the TTD land being given to a star hotel and suggested that it should be relocated to a more appropriate place.

Reddy concluded by demanding an apology from the Chief Minister to all devotees for his policies, emphasizing the need to respect the sanctity of religious institutions.