The sacred hills of Tirumala have been witnessing one controversy or the other for the last one and a half years, especially after the new trust board of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams headed by media baron B R Naidu took over the administration.
The YSR Congress Party leaders have been indulging in regular attacks on the TTD by picking up every single minor or major issue that surfaces on the Tirumala hills.
Particularly, former TTDP chairman and YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy has been regularly making sensational allegations against TTD.
The YSRCP supporters are circulating social media posts claiming that Hinduism is under threat whenever an empty liquor bottle, traces of non-vegetarian food near Alipiri, or broken stones are spotted on the hill.
The TDP leaders are suspecting that Bhumana is behind these campaigns.
He is accused of deploying dedicated teams to magnify minor lapses, or even deliberately placing objectionable items on the hill and filming them to create controversy.
His remarks on goshalas and comments against Hindu organisations have already triggered disputes.
The ruling party leaders are alleging that whenever cases are filed, he resorts to evasive arguments, claiming his statements were misinterpreted.
“While political criticism is natural, many believe using the shrine of Lord Venkateswara for political gains is deeply unfortunate. By creating fear among ordinary devotees and raising doubts about the sanctity of the temple, critics ask what YSRCP hopes to gain,” a TDP leader said.
He said the YSRCP is attempting a political comeback by exploiting religious sentiment.
“However, devotees are closely watching developments and are likely to respond appropriately at the right time,” he said.