The Andhra Pradesh government led by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is contemplating a major overhaul in the management of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) following the latest stampede incident in Tirupati, according to sources.
Leaders like former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan expressed strong disapproval of the events, calling for immediate reforms in the administration of the TTD.
Pawan Kalyan demanded significant changes in leadership and criticized Executive Officer (EO) J Shyamala Rao and Additional Executive Officer (AEO) Venkayya Chowdary for poor management and lack of accountability.
Pawan Kalyan, along with other leaders, voiced concerns over the lack of coordination among TTD officials, particularly between the EO Shyamala Rao and Chairman B R Naidu.
The friction among the leadership has been evident, leading to governance issues that culminated in the stampede incident during a crowded darshan event.
During a high-level review meeting chaired by Chandrababu Naidu to assess the stampede, the rift between the TTD Chairman and the EO came to the forefront.
The meeting, attended by ministers and senior officials, witnessed heated arguments between the two officials.
B R Naidu accused Shyamala Rao of ignoring him entirely in the decision-making process, stating that his position as Chairman was being disregarded.
He complained that no consultations or discussions were being held with him on critical matters, undermining the sanctity of his role.
The EO retaliated sharply, claiming that all relevant information had been shared and that the Chairman’s accusations were baseless. This led to an intense exchange of words, with both parties addressing each other in singular terms.
A visibly embarrassed chief minister reprimanded both the EO and the Chairman and warned them against letting personal grievances affect their official responsibilities.
Sources said Naidu is contemplating transfer of Shyamala Rao and replacing him with a senior official from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
AEO Venkayya Chowdary, who was brought to the TTD from central deputation is likely to be repatriated to the parent department. In his place, a young officer with proven administrative skills might be appointed, sources said.