As B R Naidu celebrated his first anniversary as chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Wednesday, his achievements were met with sharp criticism from his predecessor, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, a prominent leader of the YSR Congress Party. Naidu lauded the reforms he claimed to have instituted during his tenure, aimed at enhancing the administration of one of the world’s richest and most revered temples, but Reddy’s response painted a very different picture of Naidu’s effectiveness.
In a press briefing, Naidu highlighted initiatives he believed would improve operational efficiency and transparency within TTD. He pointed to advancements in digital services, financial accountability measures, and efforts to bolster the temple’s outreach programs as key highlights of his governance. “Our focus has been on modernizing operations while preserving the sanctity and traditions of the temple,” he asserted, emphasizing a vision of progressive management intertwined with cultural values.
However, Reddy was quick to counter these claims, describing Naidu’s administration as a “failure” and branding his efforts as “inefficient and ineffective.” He argued that the reforms Naidu touted were superficial and failed to address the core issues plaguing temple operations. Reddy pointed out ongoing complaints from devotees regarding long wait times during rituals and a lack of adequate facilities, which he claims are indicative of poor management.
Reddy’s criticisms also focused on financial discrepancies, alleging that Naidu has not been forthcoming about the temple’s financial dealings. “Transparency is key, yet we see no substantial efforts in this regard,” Reddy emphasized, suggesting that the TTD’s financial reports lack clarity and leave many questions unanswered. The former chairman called for a comprehensive audit to restore faith among devotees regarding the temple’s finances.
The clash between the two leaders has sparked a broader debate within the community about the direction of temple management. Many devotees and stakeholders are beginning to voice their opinions on the effectiveness of leadership at TTD, with some expressing support for Naidu’s vision while others echo Reddy’s concerns regarding operational inefficiencies.
As the scrutiny surrounding TTD escalates, the pressure is mounting on Naidu to demonstrate tangible results from his reforms. With the temple’s significance not just as a religious site but also as a key player in the region’s economy and tourism, the stakes could not be higher for its leadership. Naidu’s ability to respond to these criticisms and implement meaningful changes in the coming months will be critical to shaping the future of TTD.
As the situation unfolds, devotees and political observers alike are keenly watching to see how Naidu navigates this tumultuous period and whether he can turn around the narrative surrounding his tenure. The coming weeks will likely be pivotal in determining the trajectory of TTD’s administration and its impact on the millions who visit the temple each year.
