The latest administrative reshuffle within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has evoked sharp criticism from the Telugu Desam Party, following allegations that officials who were closely associated with the previous YSRCP government are being reinstated to key positions.
Though Telugu Desam Party president and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been making statements that the TTD would be cleansed and the sanctity of temple would be restored, what is happening at the ground-level is totally contrary to Naidu’s directions.
Interestingly, these changes have been brought in after Anil Kumar Singhal assumed charge as the new TTD Executive Officer (EO).
Singhal was cherry-picked by Naidu himself, despite reservations from his alliance partners – Bharatiya Janata Party and the Jana Sena Party.
According to sources, Singhal brought in a few officials who were calling shots during the YSRCP regime, doing undue favours to the YSRCP leaders. Though they were shifted to different positions after Naidu came to power, they are now back in their key positions.
For instance, the post of Deputy EO (Temple) at the main Tirumala shrine is regarded as one of the most sensitive in the TTD administration. Harindranath, who served in this role for over three years under the previous regime, has now been reinstated to the same position.
During his earlier tenure, Harindranath reportedly faced several allegations and was considered close to former TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and ex-EO Dharma Reddy.
After Naidu came to power, he was shifted as Deputy EO at the Padmavathi Temple in Tiruchanur, but now, he has been transferred back to Tirumala, though there were 18 other deputy EOs in the TTD.
Similarly, Ramakrishna; who worked as an Officer on Special Duty to the TTD executive officer during the YSRCP term; has also been brought back into a key role.
He was widely believed to have operated under the influence of senior YSRCP leaders and facilitated VIP break darshans for former minister R.K. Roja and her entourage in violation of norms.
Ramakrishna has now been posted as Assistant EO (Temple Peskar), effectively restoring his control over temple darshan arrangements.
Meanwhile, officials known for their experience and integrity appear to have been sidelined. Govindarajan, who served efficiently as Deputy EO (Services) and is well-versed in Agama Shastras, daily rituals, and temple administration, has been transferred to the Kalyanakatta section; a move often perceived as a punishment posting.
The reshuffle has thus raised concerns about whether YSRCP is still wielding influence on the TTD administration despite calls for reform and transparency.
