Tirupati: AP unit of State Bharatiya Janata Party has criticised Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for dismantling its ancient structures and mandapams without consulting the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
After visiting the Padala mandapam near Alipiri on Wednesday as part of her two-day tour of Tirupati district, state BJP unit president Daggubati Purandeswari underlined that prior approvals must be sought from ASI while renovating or demolishing structures that are more than 75 years’ old.
Speaking to reporters here, she pointed out that TTD had previously promised to restore the ancient Paruveta mandapam in Tirumala after its demolition. Yet, the devasthanam is now planning to demolish the ancient Padala mandapam in Alipiri, which is more than 500 years’ old.
The BJP state president said TTD must carry out restoration works of such structures under the supervision of ASI. Otherwise, her party will oppose the devasthanam’s move.
Purandeswari Inspects Tirupati railway station
Purandeswari also inspected the ongoing works related to redevelopment of the Tirupati railway station. She emphasised on the need for better communication between the centre and state governments on the union government's contributions to the state. In this regard, she unveiled a new party programme to educate people about the central government's development initiatives within Andhra Pradesh.
The state BJP chief said: “Redevelopment of Tirupati railway station has been taken up at an estimated cost of ₹311 crore. Centre has also taken up the construction of Puthalapattu-Naidupeta National Highway at a cost of ₹2,237 crore. It has made significant investments in educational institutions in the Tirupati region, such as IIT and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research. ₹1,695 crore has been allocated for Tirupati Smart City initiative and 87 projects are being implemented under it. Apart from Tirupati, Srikalahasti town is also benefiting from central funds through various projects,” she pointed out.
Purandeswari protested over the alleged attempts of state government to divert TTD funds. She opposed the government's decision to withdraw the proposal of allocating one percent of the devasthanam’s budget to the Tirupati civic body.
