AP Sadhu Parishad slams YSRCP over Tirumala row

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

A fresh controversy has erupted over the sanctity of the Tirumala temple after the Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad launched a scathing attack on the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), accusing it of damaging the reputation of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and indulging in a campaign to malign the hill shrine.

Addressing a press conference at the Visakhapatnam Press Club, Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad president Srinivasananda Saraswati alleged that the previous YSRCP government had caused significant damage to the image and spiritual sanctity of Tirumala. He claimed that even after losing power, certain elements were continuing attempts to tarnish the reputation of TTD through misinformation and politically motivated allegations.

The seer took strong exception to recent statements and social media campaigns by YSRCP leaders suggesting irregularities in Tirumala affairs. He particularly targeted former TTD chairman and YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, questioning what he described as repeated attempts to cast aspersions on the world-renowned temple. “Why is there a continuous effort to throw mud at the sacred Tirumala shrine? False narratives and baseless allegations are being spread as if suspicious activities are taking place within the temple administration,” Srinivasananda Saraswati said.

The Sadhu Parishad chief also condemned remarks allegedly made against seers and religious leaders by certain YSRCP supporters. He objected to saints being labelled as political activists or party workers and said such comments were disrespectful to the Hindu religious community.

Drawing a political connection, Srinivasananda Saraswati argued that the electorate and devotees had already expressed their displeasure over the handling of Tirumala-related issues during the previous regime. He warned that if the party continued with what he termed as anti-Hindu and anti-temple rhetoric, it could face further political setbacks in future elections.

In a significant announcement, the Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad said it would organise a Maha Sabha of seers and religious leaders in Tirupati on June 12 to discuss the protection of Tirumala’s sanctity and deliberate on recent developments surrounding the temple administration.

The proposed gathering is expected to draw participation from religious leaders from across the state and could further intensify the political debate surrounding Tirumala, a subject that has repeatedly emerged as a flashpoint in Andhra Pradesh politics.