Bandi Sanjay Asks Why TTD Continues to Employ Non-Hindus
Emphasizing the religious sanctity of the TTD, Sanjay asserted that only practicing Hindus should be involved in the temple’s management and day-to-day operations, given its spiritual significance to millions of devotees.
Tirupati: Union minister of state for Home affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar expressed concerns on Friday over continued employment of non-Hindus in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). He charged that nearly 1,000 individuals are working for the temple organisation, who have no faith in Lord Venkateshwara or adhere to the Sanatana Dharma.
Speaking to media after having the darshan of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy on Tirumala, the union minister questioned why non-Hindus are continuing to be appointed. “If such appointments happened earlier, why hasn’t this been corrected,” he asked.
Sanjay called for a thorough investigation into the issue, suggesting there could be underlying concerns that remain unaddressed. He referred to a recent case where a TTD employee had been suspended after being found regularly attending church services. “How can individuals without belief in the deity work at the temple? Devotees of other faiths must declare their belief in Lord Venkateshwara before entering the temple,” he underlined.
The union minister of state for Home asked the TTD board to conduct a detailed probe into the number of non-Hindu employees. “The board must explain why no inquiry has been initiated despite rising concerns among devotees,” he stated.
The senior BJP leader requested TTD chairman B.R. Naidu to develop major temples in Telangana, including those at Kondagattu, Vemulawada and Illanthakunta. He wanted the devasthanam board to identify and develop ancient temples across the state.