Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu Advocates Hindu-Only Staff at Tirumala Temple, Announces Nationwide Temple Plans

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has proposed that only individuals of the Hindu faith be permitted to work at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. In a recent statement, Naidu emphasized the importance of preserving the religious integrity of one of India's most revered temples. He also assured that staff belonging to other faiths, who are currently employed, would be respectfully reassigned to alternate departments.

CM Emphasizes Faith-Based Employment for Temple Roles

Chandrababu Naidu stated that the spiritual and traditional values of the Tirumala temple must be upheld through faith-based staffing. He clarified that non-Hindu personnel will not be dismissed but will instead be transferred to departments unrelated to temple rituals or religious responsibilities. The intention, he explained, is to maintain religious sanctity without causing distress to existing employees.

Plans to Construct Temples Across Indian State Capitals

Further expanding his religious agenda, the Chief Minister disclosed his plan to establish Venkateswara Swamy temples in all Indian state capitals. The initiative is aimed at promoting the worship of Lord Venkateswara and making temple access more widespread. According to Naidu, this effort supports cultural continuity and spiritual outreach.

Personal Experience Cited as Devotional Motivation

Naidu also shared a personal account from his past, referencing a life-threatening incident in which he survived an attack involving 24 Claymore mines. He attributed his survival to what he called the divine protection of Lord Venkateswara, underlining the depth of his faith. This testimony served as a backdrop for his religious policy stance.

Disciplinary Actions Taken Against TTD Employees

In an earlier incident reported in February, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing authority for the temple, took disciplinary steps against 18 employees allegedly practicing non-Hindu religions. These employees were removed from duties involving temple rituals and advised to seek non-religious administrative roles.

Family Visit on Grandson’s Birthday

The Chief Minister visited the Tirumala temple on Friday, accompanied by his family, to offer prayers. The occasion marked the birthday of his grandson, Devaansh. The visit included his wife Bhuvaneswari, son and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, daughter-in-law Brahmani, and grandson Devaansh.

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