As the Andhra Pradesh state assembly is gearing up for a big debate on the latest controversy over ghee supply to Tirumala temple, the Chandrababu Naidu government is said to be contemplating making some important announcements on the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
According to sources, Naidu is expected to make an announcement on tightening TTD regulations and strict implementation of existing rules. One of the decisions is likely to be on making mandatory for all non-Hindus to compulsorily sign the declaration of faith at Tirumala.
As per current TTD norms, non-Hindus seeking darshan of Lord Venkateswara are required to submit a declaration affirming respect for temple traditions. The government has now ordered that this provision be implemented mandatorily without exceptions.
The declaration of faith has become controversial during the YSR Congress party regime, following the reluctance of party president and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy to sign the declaration. If the declaration of faith is made mandatory, Jagan will have to sign the statement every time he visits Tirumala.
The Naidu government is also considering bringing in a special law for the TTD on the lines of the legislation governing the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Under the Amritsar model, authorities have the power to initiate criminal action against those violating temple regulations.
Naidu has directed officials to study the Golden Temple Act immediately to explore the feasibility of introducing a similar law for TTD.