Are There Really Over 1,000 Non-Hindus Working in TTD?
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Synopsis
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar sparks controversy by demanding the removal of over 1,000 non-Hindu employees from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. His appeal raises questions about religious employment practices in sacred institutions. Explore the implications of his statements and the recent disciplinary actions taken against TTD employees regarding religious affiliations.
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar demands removal of non-Hindus from TTD.
- Claims of over 1,000 non-Hindus employed at TTD.
- Calls for TTD to focus on Hindu traditions and practices.
- Recent disciplinary actions against employees for non-Hindu practices.
- TTD asserts it belongs to Hindus exclusively.
Tirupati, July 11 (NationPress) Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Friday called for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) to dismiss non-Hindus from their roles, asserting that more than 1,000 non-Hindus are currently employed by TTD.
The BJP leader, who visited the Tirumala temple on his birthday, conveyed through the social media platform 'X' his desire for the TTD board to eliminate non-Hindu employees in Tirumala and rectify this ‘long-standing issue’.
“Why do we have over 1,000 non-Hindus in TTD? Would Hindus ever be employed in mosques or churches? This is not about animosity - it’s about dharma. TTD should not be a venue for appeasement politics,” stated Sanjay Kumar, a Lok Sabha representative from Karimnagar, Telangana.
“The mission of TTD should be transparent: enhance temples within Telugu states, uphold traditions, and assign duties exclusively to Hindus,” he emphasized.
The Minister of State mentioned he had received the divine blessings of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy and prayed for the well-being, prosperity, and endurance of all citizens, as well as for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is diligently serving Bharat.
Speaking to reporters post ‘darshan’, he urged the community to unite in safeguarding ‘Sanatana Dharma’.
Sanjay also noted that TTD is not owned by anyone but solely belongs to Hindus.
He further encouraged the TTD chairman to develop temples in Kondagattu, Karimnagar, Vemulawada, and Illantakunta located in Telangana.
On July 3, TTD took disciplinary action against A. Rajasekhar Babu, an Assistant Executive Officer, for participating in church services.
The temple administration acted after discovering that Rajasekhar Babu was attending local church services each Sunday in his hometown, Puttur, within the Tirupati district.
“This is a clear breach of TTD regulations as he did not adhere to the code of conduct expected of TTD employees,” the TTD stated in an announcement.
In February, TTD had initiated disciplinary measures against 18 employees for engaging in non-Hindu religious practices.
This decision followed the announcement by the new TTD Board Chairman B.R. Naidu that only Hindus should be employed by the institutions operated by the temple body.
Point of View
The ongoing discourse around TTD's employment policies raises critical questions about the intersection of religion and governance in India. While the push for adherence to Hindu traditions within TTD is evident, it also invites scrutiny regarding inclusiveness and the broader implications for religious harmony in a diverse society. The leadership of TTD must tread carefully to maintain both its cultural heritage and its commitment to diversity.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bandi Sanjay Kumar call for the removal of non-Hindus from TTD?
Bandi Sanjay Kumar believes that employment at TTD should be reserved for Hindus to uphold the institution's religious integrity and eliminate what he describes as a long-standing issue.
What recent actions has TTD taken against its employees?
TTD has suspended an Assistant Executive Officer for attending church services and has previously taken disciplinary action against 18 employees for practicing non-Hindu customs.
What does Bandi Sanjay Kumar suggest about the employment policies at TTD?
He suggests that TTD's employment policies should strictly adhere to Hindu affiliations, emphasizing the development and preservation of Hindu traditions.
