Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, officially began his duties on 13 June 2024, inaugurating his office at the Amravati secretariat. Prior to assuming office, he paid respects at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumala alongside his family.
Criticizing the previous YSRCP government, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, Naidu accused them of commercializing the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) and mismanaging its affairs. Naidu highlighted concerns about the quality and pricing of religious offerings, stressing the need to prevent black market activities around ticket sales for temple visits. He pledged to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the shrine. Expressing dismay at the alleged transformation of the temple into a hub for undesirable activities, Naidu vowed to initiate corrective measures starting from the Tirupati Temple.
Speaking to reporter, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu said, ” They (former state govt) commercialised Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). Prasadam should be of good quality, rates shouldn’t be increased and tickets for ‘Darshan’ should not be sold in the black market. They turned this religious place into the centre of Marijuana, liquor and non-vegetarian food. Cleansing will start from TTD.”
Amravati | Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu says, " They (former state govt) commercialised Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). Prasadam should be of good quality, rates shouldn't be increased and tickets for 'Darshan' should not be sold in the black market. They turned… pic.twitter.com/2tFgIn7ZlY
— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024
The TDP leader affirmed his dedication to eradicating corruption and safeguarding the principles of ‘Hindu Dharma’ at Tirumala. He emphasized that the process of purification would commence from Tirumala, where the atmosphere would resonate solely with the chants of Govinda’s name. Expressing concern over the desecration of the sacred site, he insisted that Tirumala should echo only with the reverent invocation of Om Namo Venkatesaya, as it symbolizes a divine atmosphere akin to Vaikuntha.
Chandrababu Naidu said, “Cleansing in the state will start from Tirumala. In Tirumala, nothing but the chanting of Govinda’s name will be heard. It is not right to desecrate the sacred Tirumala. When you come to Tirumala, you get the feeling of Vaikuntha. There should be no other slogan on Tirumala except Om Namo Venkatesaya. Tirumala has changed for the worse in the last five years”
తిరుమల నుంచే రాష్ట్రంలో ప్రక్షాళన మొదలుపెడతా. తిరుమలలో గోవింద నామ నినాదాలు తప్ప మరేమీ వినపడకుండా చేస్తా. పవిత్రమైన తిరుమలను అపవిత్రం చేయడం సరికాదు. తిరుమలకు వస్తే వైకుంఠం వచ్చిన అనుభూతి కలుగుతుంది. తిరుమలపై ఓం నమో వెంకటేశాయ తప్ప వేరే నినాదం ఉండొద్దు. గత ఐదేళ్లలో తిరుమలను… pic.twitter.com/64HEl8M7Gj
— Telugu Desam Party (@JaiTDP) June 13, 2024
Criticizing the perceived deterioration of Tirumala over the past five years, the TDP voiced disapproval of the appointment, alleging that Bhumana lacked belief in Hinduism due to his purported Christian affiliations. TDP’s state secretary, Buchi Ram Prasad, asserted that Bhumana’s connections to Christianity were well-known, citing instances such as a marriage ceremony held at his residence, conducted according to Christian customs. Former Andhra Pradesh chief secretary IYR Krishna Rao also raised objections to Bhumana’s appointment as the TTD chief, lamenting the politicization of the role and advocating for the selection of individuals deeply rooted in faith for such positions.
Naidu accompanied by his family, including wife Bhuvaneswari, son and Minister Nara Lokesh, daughter-in-law Brahmani, and grandson Devansh, Naidu participated in prayers of gratitude at the temple, where they received blessings and holy water from priests.
Following the rituals, Naidu performed a symbolic gesture of breaking coconuts as a token of gratitude. Supporters and leaders from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) gathered to greet him, reflecting the party’s strong presence and support. Naidu’s swearing-in ceremony took place the previous day in Vijayawada, where he assumed office along with 24 ministers, including Lokesh. Naidu’s TDP-led NDA secured a significant victory in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, securing a substantial majority in the legislature and a considerable share of parliamentary seats, reaffirming their political dominance in the region.
(with inputs from Zee News)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.