The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanamas has formally requested the Andhra Pradesh government to revoke the land allotment for a private hotel project, citing concerns over its potential impact on Hindu sentiments.
During its latest meeting, the TTD Board, led by Chairman B R Naaidu, passed a resolution proposing the development of a spiritual facility named Devalokam on the 20-acre land at Alipiri instead. The land initially allocated to the tourism department was later given to a private company to set up a commercial hotel, which would destroy the sanctity of the shrine. TTD has asserted that such developments are not due to the spiritual status of Tirumala.
"We have requested the Andra Pradesh government to reassign the lead to TTD to build the Devalokam spiritual centre. We are now awaiting their decision," Naidu said. He further questioned the promotion of tourism in Tirumala, highlighting its primary purpose as a spiritual hub. He also expressed concerns over the increasing number of pilgrims needing help to secure darshan due to overcrowding.
Naidu criticized the tourism department for allegedly profiting from the sale of expensive tickets and said the state government had initiated a vigilant probe into alleged TTD scandals during the YSRCP regime in the past. He stressed the need to preserve the sanctity of Tirumala by ensuring good facilities for pilgrims.
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