Many people raised their voices after seeing a man allegedly praying Islamic Namaz at the Srivari Purohit Sangam on Tirumala, asking for a careful probing of the incident. A video showed the Muslim driver worshipping at the holy temple, an act that deeply offends Hindus.
Filmed by local people, the footage soon reached many people online, and many devotees, churches, and politicians responded strongly. TTD rules state that anyone who is not a Hindu cannot join in any religious rituals in the temple area. Because of the resolution passed on November 18, 2024, and as is specified by Act 1060 from 1989, all employees have to follow Hindu traditions and customs. Speaking in his role as a committee member, Bhanu Prakash said the case could have political reasons behind it.
“It seems possible from our investigation that certain YSR Congress Party leaders may have deliberately driven such events forward,” he explained on Friday. Abhinay Reddy, who oversees Tirupati for the YSRCP, also criticized it, calling it a serious religious breach. He said the fact that a Muslim offered Namaz in such a revered spot has upset and hurt the feelings of many devotees.
There are also stories about finding biryani packets lately. These are worrying trends as they happen so often. Residents have started asking for more security and better rules enforcement within temples. No information about the person in the video has been made public by authorities, who say a thorough investigation is ongoing.
Earlier, TTD chairman BR Naidu provided directives for authorities to take disciplinary steps against 18 workers who were suspected of following practices not allowed in Hindu temples.
During BR Naidu’s leadership, the board had chosen to hire only Hindus in Tirumala. According to Naidu, TTD is a Hindu organization, and the board decided only Hindus should work there. We intend to write to the government proposing that these employees be transferred to other departments or given a VRS if they agree.
