Tirumala traditions undermined

Tirupati, September 10:YSRCP spokesperson and former TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy has criticised current Chairman B.R. Naidu of repeated violations of tradition, misuse of authority, and commercialization of Tirumala services.
During the recent lunar eclipse, a sacred ritual was violated when the brass grills near the Mahadwaram were locked not by TTD staff but by a representative of Naidu’s channel, TV5. This incident reflects a disturbing pattern of unauthorized interference and disregard for protocol.
Naidu has turned Tirumala into a center of controversies by failing to uphold traditions and instead targeting critics with accusations of being “anti-Hindu.” Rather than correcting mistakes, he has escalated personal and political attacks while continuing irregularities.
Serious concerns have been raised over the commercialization of Sri Venkateswara Kalyanams, with fixed rates of 116 Euros for general entry and 516 Euros for Vishesh Kalyanam introduced abroad — a first in TTD history. These services have been allotted to associations linked to TDP.
Naidu’s family made dubious land dealings in Jubilee Hills Society, including collection of Rs. 90 crores without approvals, leading to RERA fines. Meanwhile, under his leadership, no genuine Kalyanams have been organized in Andhra Pradesh, while selective rituals such as Lakshmi pujas are conducted in wealthy homes.
These actions undermine faith and tradition, misuse TTD’s sanctity for political and financial gain, and betray the trust of devotees.