18 Non-Hindu Employees Removed from Tirupati Temple – BJP Leader Supports Decision
Tirupati, 5 February – (DeccanLive.com): The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has taken action against 18 employees for violating religious rules. These employees were accused of not adhering to Hindu traditions and participating in non-Hindu religious activities. The TTD Board, led by its chairman B.R. Naidu, had already made it clear that only Hindu employees are allowed to work in the Devasthanam. During an investigation, these 18 employees were found engaging in non-Hindu practices, leading to disciplinary action against them.
Two Options Given; Strict Action if Refused
As per the TTD Board’s decision, these employees will be removed from Tirumala temples and related departments. They will also not be allowed to participate in any Hindu religious events or rituals. The board has offered them two options:
- Apply for a transfer to a government department.
- Opt for retirement under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).
If they refuse both options, stricter action will be taken against them.
Official Statement
An official statement from TTD clarified that the action was initiated under the directives of TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu. It stated that these employees, despite working in TTD, were involved in non-Hindu religious activities. Authorities identified 18 such employees, who were found practicing and participating in non-Hindu traditions instead of adhering to Hindu customs.
These employees will be removed from temples and religious events. They have been offered either a transfer or voluntary retirement as alternatives. This decision was made to uphold the religious sanctity and spiritual purity of TTD temples.
Reference to the 1989 Endowment Act
According to the TTD Board, the 1989 Endowment Act mandates that all TTD employees must follow Hindu traditions. The board considers this matter closely tied to the sanctity of the temple and the religious sentiments of devotees. TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu has already emphasized that maintaining Tirumala as a center of Hindu faith is his top priority. He stated that there will be no compromise on respecting the traditions of the Devasthanam.
BJP Leader Supports the Decision
TTD Board member and BJP leader Bhanu Prakash Reddy has supported this decision, calling it a necessary step to preserve the purity of Hindu religious sites. He further stated that, if needed, they are ready to remove all non-Hindu employees. Following this decision, stricter measures are expected in the Tirupati temple administration, with increased monitoring to ensure adherence to Hindu religious traditions.
