There have been reports for quite some time that veteran Telugu Desam Party leader and former Union minister Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju has been finalized for the coveted post of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams trust board chairman.
According to these reports, TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu indicated to Ashok Gajapathi Raju last week about nominating him for the TTD chairman post and sought his consent.
Apparently, Naidu preferred Ashok, as he is an experienced and non-controversial leader, in addition to being the chairman of several temples in Vizianagaram in the capacity of a member of the Pusapati royal family.
A seven-time MLA and one-time MP from Vizianagaram, Ashok was the civil aviation minister in the NDA government at the Centre before quitting in 2018 when TDP left the alliance.
He did not contest the 2024 elections due to health reasons and passed the baton to his daughter Aditi Vijayalakshmi, who won by a margin of 60,609 votes.
Sources, however, said Ashok is not interested in accepting the TTD chairman post because it requires hectic activity.
He would have to be present most of the time in Tirupati, attending to the issues of pilgrims and holding meetings with officials regularly.
What will be more irritating for Ashok is following the rigorous protocol of receiving VVIPs like the President of India, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and top Union ministers, besides the Chief Justice of India and other Supreme Court judges, whenever they come to Tirumala.
“He has to accompany them into the temple and ensure they receive all the facilities as per protocol. Ashok doesn’t like to follow such kinds of rituals. He also doesn’t want to get involved in all kinds of politicking in Tirumala. Hence, he has politely informed Naidu that he is not interested in the TTD chairman post,” sources said.
Apparently, Ashok wants a position where he can have peace of mind and dignity.
“Maybe, he is aspiring for the Governor’s post, if offered by the NDA government at the Centre,” sources added.