Srikalahasti Temple Chairman Post Likely To Go To TD Nominee
While several nominated posts were filled soon after the NDA government took charge, the Srikalahasti temple board chairman appointment was kept pending amid internal discussions within the TD-Jana Sena-BJP alliance.
Tirupati:The process to appoint next chairman of the Srikalahastheeswara Swamyvari Devasthanam Trust Board has reached a critical stage, with the Telugu Desam (TD) emerging as the likely decider in finalising the nominee for the post that has remained vacant since March last year.
While several nominated posts were filled soon after the NDA government took charge, the Srikalahasti temple board chairman appointment was kept pending amid internal discussions within the TD-Jana Sena-BJP alliance. Recent developments, however, indicate that the selection may now be close, with the TD seeking to place its nominee, Rangineni Chenchaiah Naidu, in the position.
Chenchaiah’s name was formally recommended by Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Sudhir Reddy, who has maintained that the trust board requires a local candidate with administrative experience and political accountability. A former Market Committee Chairman and longstanding supporter of the Bojjala family, Chenchaiah is understood to have played a key role in party activities during the opposition years.
Other parties within the NDA alliance had earlier put forward their own candidates, but those names have lost ground over time. The Jana Sena, which had sought the post for a nominee backed by its former constituency in-charge Kota Vinutha, has since withdrawn from active consideration following her arrest in a murder case involving her family. The party has not put forth a replacement since.
The BJP’s state secretary Kola Anand has also expressed interest in the role. Anand, who served in the same post during the Congress government in the 2000s, is reportedly seeking support either for himself or a family member. However, no official endorsement has come from the party leadership yet.
Within the TD, a few other names were also in circulation, but none are understood to have received the same level of backing as Chenchaiah Naidu. However, the selection process is being shaped by a constituency-level IVRS survey ordered by the NDA leadership to understand public opinion.
Party sources confirmed that feedback gathered from local residents and cadre is being reviewed before finalising the appointment. Those familiar with the process said that the appointment could be finalised in a couple of days. Once the survey results and internal consultations are complete, a government order is expected to follow, bringing an end to the months-long vacancy.
