Karnataka Pravasi Soudha takeover plan sparks political row in Tirumala

Tirupati: The proposed transfer of Karnataka Pravasi Soudha in Tirumala to Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has triggered a political controversy, with BJP and Jana Sena leaders questioning the move and raising concerns over pilgrim facilities, commercial establishments and the future of existing employees.

The Karnataka government plans to hand over the operation and maintenance of the complex to KSTDC. Opponents argue that facilities established for devotees visiting Lord Venkateswara should primarily cater to their accommodation and spiritual needs rather than commercial interests.

Spread across 6.47 acres leased by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to Karnataka State Charities, the complex was developed at a cost of Rs 202 crore, paid by the Karnataka government directly to TTD in two instalments in October 2020 and July 2022.

The complex comprises four blocks named Hampi, Aihole, Sri Krishnadevaraya and Halebidu, besides a Kalyana Mantapa. The land lease is valid from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2050. According to TTD proceedings issued in April 2024, the annual lease was fixed at Rs 6.48 lakh, with the revised amount rising to around Rs 8.64 lakh from April 2023, apart from applicable taxes and other charges.

Under the proposed arrangement, KSTDC would operate and maintain accommodation facilities and restaurants. Net income after deducting expenses would be shared equally between the Karnataka Religious Endowments Department and KSTDC. The corporation would submit monthly income and expenditure statements, while a committee of officials would supervise the arrangement.

KSTDC Managing Director Shiva Prasad recently announced that the corporation would take over the complex from the State’s Religious Endowments Department. Reports said officials from the two departments had signed an agreement covering rooms, restaurants and other facilities.

Opposing the move, TTD Board member and BJP leader G Bhanu Prakash Reddy alleged that the arrangement could benefit individuals seeking control over commercial establishments within the complex. He questioned the rationale behind placing the facilities under a tourism corporation when the land had been allotted for pilgrim accommodation.

Reddy further alleged that a Congress leader from Tirupati, a former Union Minister, was influencing the process with the involvement of Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Claiming that attempts were being made to gain control of shops and hotels on the premises, he warned that TTD could consider reclaiming the property if the matter proceeded in the same manner.

He said he would raise the issue with TTD officials and seek notices to those concerned. In a letter to the Karnataka Chief Minister on Sunday, Reddy said the proposal had caused concern among devotees in both states and urged him to intervene and withdraw it.

Jana Sena leader Kiran Royal also criticised the proposal, stating that every inch of Tirumala should be regarded as property belonging to Lord Venkateswara. He warned that bringing the complex under the tourism department could hurt devotees’ sentiments. Royal also alleged that around 400 employees working at the facilities could lose their jobs and be replaced by personnel from Karnataka.

The controversy follows an earlier dispute over Shivakumar’s statement that officials and public representatives from Karnataka would participate in daily harathi offerings to the presiding deity through the state’s choultries in Tirumala. TTD has yet to issue an official response to the latest controversy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India