Bollineni Rajgopal Naidu, who is set to take charge as Chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on November 6, criticised AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi for comparing the temple board with the waqf board. This comes amid an ongoing row over a proposal to employ only Hindus at the Tirumala temple trust.
Naidu's reaction came after Owaisi questioned the inclusion of non-Muslims on the waqf board in the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, highlighting that not a single member on the TTD Board was a non-Hindu.
Speaking to Media, Naidu said, "The waqf board is a real estate company. How can a senior politician like him (Owaisi) compare it to TTD? I condemn his statement."
After his appointment, Naidu stated that only Hindus should be employed within the temple precincts amid the controversy over adulterated ghee used in Tirupati temple.
On the laddu controversy, Naidu assured the public of the quality and quantity of the offerings. "Everything is good now, and I can assure you of that for now," Naidu said.
When asked about Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's idea of implementing a Sanatana Dharma Board, Naidu expressed support, saying, "Whatever he (Pawan Kalyan) said is 100 per cent true, and I will support it."
He also addressed misinformation about the temple on social media, noting that TTD has awarded similar trophies to prominent figures like Ratan Tata. "Fake news and propaganda are not right. My focus is on the future, not past events. TTD has a vigilance commission already conducting inquiries," Naidu stated, vowing strict action against anyone spreading harmful propaganda against the temple.
The Andhra Pradesh government appointed Naidu as chairman of the newly constituted 24-member TTD board on October 30. The TTD manages the Tirumala Hills, home to the world's richest Hindu temple
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