Bhumana calls B.R. Naidu ‘most inefficient’ TTD chairman in 93-year history

TIRUPATI

Former TTD chairman and YSRCP regional coordinator Bhumana Karunakar Reddy on Saturday launched a scathing attack on incumbent chairman B.R. Naidu, describing him as the “most inefficient chairman” in the 93-year history of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Addressing the media at his camp office, Bhumana alleged that Naidu had turned the sacred hill shrine into a centre of controversies and political conspiracies during his two-year tenure. He accused the chairman of serving the political interests of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu instead of prioritising the welfare of Lord Venkateswara's devotees.

Bhumana held the present administration responsible for the Vaikuntha Ekadasi stampede, which claimed six lives and left 40 devotees injured. He also raised concerns over cattle deaths at the TTD goshala, alleged entry of liquor and meat into Tirumala, the disappearance of an Anjaneya Swamy idol and the alleged black-marketing of darshan tickets.

Questioning ticket irregularities, he alleged that Rs.300 darshan tickets were being sold for Rs.3,000, while Rs.800 tickets fetched as much as Rs.15,000. He also questioned the alleged sale of VIP tickets for Rs.5,000.

He criticised the failure to implement the promised two-minute AI-enabled darshan system and construct 5,000 Srivani temples. He also questioned the increase in ghee procurement prices from Rs.350 to Rs.750 and maintained that the SIT had found no animal fat in the laddu controversy.

On municipal elections, Bhumana welcomed the nomination of Vasu Yadav as the YSRCP's mayoral candidate and urged officials to ensure free and fair polling. He alleged intimidation of candidates and obstruction of nominations at 18 locations, demanding protection for voters and election agents.