Call to protect sanctity of TTD

Tirupati: People from various walks of life have aired mixed reactions on the ongoing controversy in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) regarding former chief priest Ramana Deekshitulu’s outburst on the administration. But majority of the speakers have strongly condemned the attitude of Ramana Deekshitulu saying that it was not proper for him to drag the famous LordVenkateswara into controversy.

Political leaders from different parties, peoples organisations, TTD employees’ unions and citizens were present in large number at ‘DasaDisa’ a live programme organised jointly by popular Telugu channel HM TV and English Daily The Hans India at SV University Senate hall on Saturdayevening on the issues that pulled TTD into controversy in recent days.

Tirupati MP V Varaprasad felt that had the government ordered an enquiry on the allegations levelled by Ramana Deekshitulu, the issue would have not been developed to this magnitude. Instead of doing so, the government had shown him the door, which was the root cause of entire problem. There should be strong system in TTD on the lines of RBI to preserve and manage the gold and cash. A thorough enquiry would have brought all truth into light, he felt.

TTD Trust Board Member Challa Ramachandra Reddy expressed that a discussion on God was unfortunate and said that after serving the God for 40 years it was not proper for Ramana Deekshitulu to make such allegations on the temple. If really digging was done in Potu, why he was silent then? Why he was levelling allegations after 40 years, he questioned. Instead of going to Chennai, he would have come before the Trust board with his complaints.

TTD Employees union President Kandarapu Murali said, Deekshitulu was the central point for various controversies. Still, why don’t the government publish a white paper on the ornaments under TTD control and other allegations, he asked. CPM leader Kumar Reddy observed that there was no transparency in TTD affairs and governments have been acting according to their wish.

Tirupati MLA M Suguna doubted the motive behind Ramana Deekshitulu’s charges soon after his meeting with BJP President AmitShah during his recent visit to Tirumala. Disagreeing with this, BJP national leader Santha Reddy said as he found no solace in TTD and even at CM, he might have gone to Press. Perhaps, TDP government took action against him as he made darshan arrangements for AmitShah. To control all such things, a ‘DharmikParishat’ is needed.

Some others said that priest ship is hereditary and it was unfortunate to abolish the system without valid reason. According to Aagama Sastras there was no retirement for Archakas, some said. Some others felt even 80 years ago, TTD has come out of the purview of Aagama Sastra and became a statutory organisation. Whereas four priests have retired so much discussion has been taking place on Ramana Deekshitulu only as he was making it a political issue. There were no lapses in the Aagamas and Kainkaryas in the temple and everything has been going on well.

Rayalaseema Studies organisations convener Bhuman, CPM leader Rama Naidu, Congress district president Venugopal Reddy, CPI leader Kumar Reddy, Republican party leader Anjaiah, MLA Narayana Swamy, APUWJ president Subba Rao and many others have expressed their opinions. In all there was a broad opinion that an enquiry into every aspect of TTD is the need of the hour and everyone should take responsibility to protect the sanctity of TTD.