Hyderabad: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) is the richest temple body in the world and it is no wonder that it donates funds to the tune of crores of rupees to undertake various development activities to benefit temples, Hindu devotees and the population at large.
In the combined Andhra Pradesh state, TTD footprint was seen in many districts of the Telangana region where it built choultries (accommodation for pilgrims) in noted temples like Basar, Vemulawada, Yadadri etc. apart from building nearly 30 kalyana mandapams (function halls), establishing Ved Patshalas and donating loudspeakers and music systems.
However, the same level of activities have not been seen for the last three and a half years in Telangana and much of it is to do with the reluctance of Telangana elected representatives to come forward and submit their development proposals concerning temples in their constituencies. According to TTD sources, there is a considerable fall in number of proposals coming from Telangana.
A ruling party MLA, stated that elected representatives’ outlook had changed post-bifurcation. “In the combined state, getting TTD attention was not difficult because of easier access to the Chief Minister and the endowment minister. Hence, many legislators approached TTD board for development works concerning temples or construction of marriage halls. But things changed post-bifurcation. TTD is under the purview of Andhra Pradesh government and hence Telangana legislators are not confident of lobbying anymore.”
But according to Mr G. Bhanumurthy, convenor Telangana Archaka and Employees JAC convener, “TTD takes up various initiatives concerning temples in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and even in New Delhi. TTD trust board has not taken any decision not to entertain any requests from Telangana, but if there are limited proposals what can it do?”
