If the reports doing the rounds in TDP circles are to be believed, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is contemplating a major overhaul of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administration, including the possible removal of its chairman B R Naidu, in the wake of a series of controversies.
According to sources, Chandrababu Naidu is said to be receiving a growing number of complaints against B R Naidu and not merely because of the allegations being raised by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).
During the YSRCP regime, the TTD had already been mired in several controversies, including the adulterated ghee issue, Parakamani-related theft allegations, darshan ticket irregularities, and the alleged diversion or misuse of TTD funds.
The current government has already ordered inquiries into several of these matters. In the adulterated ghee case, Special Investigation Team (SIT) officials have reportedly arrested multiple individuals.
Leaders of the ruling coalition have repeatedly argued that the YSRCP, instead of addressing the substance of these allegations, has chosen to politically target the current TTD leadership in an attempt to divert attention.
However, despite the change in administration, allegations and controversies continue to haunt the TTD even after B R Naidu took over as chairman.
Social media handles aligned with the YSRCP have been regularly highlighting one alleged irregularity after another under the present TTD administration.
From criticism over the Vaikuntha Ekadasi ticketing-related crowd crush to allegations of inadequate pilgrim facilities in Tirumala, opposition leaders have mounted a sustained campaign portraying B R Naidu as ineffective.
Videos allegedly showing deficiencies in pilgrim amenities were widely circulated online. This was followed by a more recent and politically sensitive controversy involving videos purportedly showing B R Naidu in close proximity to a woman, which were also circulated on social media.
YSRCP leaders have repeatedly questioned whether a person occupying a “sacred” and high-profile position such as TTD chairman should continue amid such allegations, and they have used the controversy to intensify pressure on the government.
Apparently realising that the image of the TTD is being tarnished by the continuous allegations against B R Naidu, the Chief Minister is said to be considering replacing him sooner rather than later.
CM’s Tirumala Visit Fuels Speculation
During his recent visit to Tirumala on the occasion of his grandson Devan’s birthday, Chandrababu Naidu held a review meeting with officials.
Notably, B R Naidu was absent from the meeting and was also said to be missing from the Chief Minister’s broader tour schedule in Tirumala.
This absence immediately triggered speculation on social media, especially in YSRCP circles, with claims that Chandrababu Naidu had deliberately distanced himself from the TTD chairman in view of the controversies.
The government, however, did not issue any formal clarification, further fuelling political and media chatter.
Change Likely Before Term Ends?
Although no official announcement has been made, strong political buzz within TDP circles suggests that B R Naidu may be replaced before the end of his term.
Technically, the tenure of the TTD governing body is two years, which would ordinarily allow B R Naidu to continue until September this year. However, senior TDP leaders are increasingly said to believe that a leadership change could happen much earlier.
Kala Venkata Rao’s Name Gains Ground
The name most prominently doing the rounds as a possible replacement is that of senior TDP leader and former minister Kala Venkata Rao.
A seasoned politician and relatively uncontroversial face, Kala Venkata Rao had previously served as TTD chairman and has also handled important portfolios such as Home, Municipal Administration, and Revenue.
He has also served as a Rajya Sabha member and as the Andhra Pradesh TDP president in 2014.
Party insiders believe that appointing Kala Venkata Rao could offer multiple political advantages.
He is seen as a senior BC leader from North Andhra, and his elevation could help the ruling party send a socially and regionally balanced message, while also reducing the scope for opposition attacks.
Unlike some recent appointees to public institutions, Kala Venkata Rao is not perceived as carrying any major corruption baggage, which, according to party leaders, would make him a safer and more defensible choice for a sensitive religious institution like the TTD.
Government Wants Political Stability at TTD
Sources indicate that the Chandrababu Naidu leadership is keen to ensure that the TTD administration does not become a recurring political liability.
By choosing a veteran leader with administrative experience and broad acceptability within both the TDP and coalition ranks, the government is believed to be looking for a more politically secure and institutionally stable arrangement.
There is also a view within ruling circles that such a move could blunt the YSRCP’s continuing attacks and reduce the frequency of controversies being amplified around Tirumala.
Though no formal decision has yet been announced, senior TDP leaders are said to be of the view that changes in the TTD are likely after the Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Kalyanam at Ontimitta, with a reshuffle in the temple administration increasingly being seen as a matter of “when,” not “if.”