Row Over Viral Images of TTD Board Member; Darshan Calls It ‘Propaganda’

NELLORE: A controversy has emerged around Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust board member R.N. Darshan after alleged images of his family visiting a church surfaced on social media on Friday evening and went viral.

The issue triggered strong reactions from several pro-Hindu organisations, which urged the state government to initiate action. The development has also drawn attention within TTD circles, given the institution’s code of conduct that expects board members to adhere to certain norms regarding places of worship.

As the controversy escalated, Darshan rejected the allegations and termed the viral images as “propaganda” intended to damage his reputation.

Darshan, a Karnataka-based coffee entrepreneur, was nominated to the TTD board by the Andhra Pradesh government in late 2024.

The TTD officials have so far not issued a response on the matter, even as calls for clarification continue.