With just three days to go before the commencement of the annual Brahmotsavams for Lord Venkateshwara on Tirumala, the absence of a trust board for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to oversee the arrangements is becoming increasingly apparent on the seven hills.
Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the adulteration of ghee used in making the Tirupati laddu, the Chandrababu Naidu government has backtracked on the announcement of a full-fledged TTD trust board, fearing allegations of political favoritism from various quarters.
While TTD Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao and his team are struggling to make arrangements for the Brahmotsavams, they are also feeling the pressure of the laddu adulteration controversy, as the Special Investigation Team officials are conducting inspections in various departments at Tirumala.
At this juncture, the BJP has made an interesting suggestion to the Naidu government.
It has proposed the appointment of a specified authority for the TTD, similar to what has been done in other temples in the past, to oversee the successful conduct of the Brahmotsavams.
“Since millions of devotees visit the Tirumala temple during the Dasara Navaratri festivities to attend the annual Brahmotsavams, a specified authority consisting of senior officials, particularly those who have previously worked at the TTD, would help ensure the smooth conduct of the Brahmotsavams,” a BJP leader said.
Alternatively, the government could appoint a Brahmotsavam committee composed of senior and experienced officials and spiritual leaders, delegating them the responsibility of overseeing the various events of the Brahmotsavams,” he suggested.
“Since most of the officials at Tirumala are newly appointed, they may not have a full understanding of how the Brahmotsavams are conducted. Therefore, the government should seek the guidance of experienced and retired IAS officers to assist the current officials in this endeavor,” the BJP leader added.
The team of officials in the specified authority or the Brahmotsavam committee would be responsible for managing the queue complex, Annadanam complex, Kalyana Katta, and accommodation facilities, as well as addressing parking issues and providing services for pilgrims using the walking route up the hill.
“This would significantly reduce the burden on the Executive Officer and other officials,” the BJP leader suggested.